Last year I became the mom of a teen and later this year I will be the mom of two teens. One thing I remember from being a teen is having a hard time approaching my parents about certain subjects. Mainly about boys and sex. However my parents always made it possible for me to come to them and ask them questions. Of course it was always awkward but it was important for me to ask those questions. That’s the type of relationship I want with my kids. I want them to know that they can talk to me about anything. I have discovered that there are certain situations that my kids are comfortable talking to me in and I thought that I would share them with you.
1. Go for a walk: My kids seem to be really comfortable talking to me on the way to the bus stop or just for a walk in general.
2. Do a date night. Being a mom of two I know that both my kids love having me to themselves sometimes. They get to express the problems that they are having with school, their sibling, or just share their thoughts.
3. Participate in their favorite thing. My kids love video games. I have found it a great opportunity to talk to them then. They are doing something they like and are relaxed. I don’t know if they use anything like boost mmr dota 2 and similar other gaming assistance to help with their gameplay, but it may be a good suggestion to bond with them more.
4. Now this I haven’t tried yet but I heard it works. Create a message box. That way your child can comfortably ask a question without being embarrassed.
5. Play a game and cook. Sometimes we play 20 questions and we are able to ask each other anything.
6. Just ask how is your day.
7. Watch a movie that focuses on the subject that you want to approach with your teen and then ask questions either during or after. Make it a fun movie night with your child’s favorite snacks,
8. Make conversation during a meal. It can be breakfast lunch or dinner.
I hope these tips help. I know they have helped me. Do you have any tips to add?
My step son is 16 and would not be caught dead going on a walk with me LOL! I ask him how his day was I get a “good” and that’s it. It’s not easy.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) recently posted…Our Visit to the Harvard Museum of Natural History – Part One
Ha ha ha!! Yes I am praying that the day never comes when they don’t want to be seen with me.
I remember walking a lot with my Daughter and you are right, we had a lot of GREAT conversations then.
Terry recently posted…Drink Oxylent Breathe Life ~ 5 In-1 Multivitamin Formula
Yes I have taken advantage of walking on many occasions with my kids. They always seem to love to communicate then.
Good to know. I still have many years before I can use these tips. My son loves to walk with me now (he’s 2) but I am sure he will not want to one day!
Mandy@ TheHouseholdHero.com recently posted…I created a Pinterest monster!
The great things, these tips also help a lot with kids who are in that tween age group too! Great ideas to spark conversation with our kids.
Amber Edwards recently posted…JORD Wood Watches – Spring Fashionista Spotlight
I’m still a few years away from the teen years with my oldest, but let me tell you- even at his age now, it’s difficult to get a conversation going with him. These are all great tips by the way!
Ashley B. recently posted…Life Overhauls, and a New Look.
I found my kids were especially talkative at bedtime for some reason. I guess that just felt like a relaxing time to share and open up.
Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell recently posted…Dublin Coddle – Irish Country Cooking
My kids are a lot more talkative during meals. It’s great to have a meal together and spend it having conversation.
Pam recently posted…5 Simple Tips to Freshen Up Your Home for Spring
My 16 year old daughter and I are very close….we definitely have a mother daughter relationship with discipline and such, but we also have a best friend relationship. She tells me everything and I hope that continues
Veronica recently posted…A Colorful Kids’ Playroom
I was an awful teen I wouldn’t talk at all, I was quite ill through most of them though so I guess my perception is a little different from normal. x
Sarah recently posted…Garden Games Wigwam: Review
Date night is a bit one with us. We love having time alone with our boys. It really helps them feel special!
Beth recently posted…How to Make a Living Selling Kindle eBooks
Having good communication with your teen is very important. Many parents don’t realize that kids need guidance during this time more than ever.
Tough Cookie Mommy recently posted…Take Your Family To See Mr. Peabody & Sherman This Weekend! #MrPeabody @DWAnimation #Ad
So far I am really lucky with my oldest son, he talks to me about everything. He does not go to his dad but we are okay with him coming to at least one of us. When it comes to teenage sex/girls, he says he wants to stay clear. He has a little 4 year old brother that has been a handful and cried all the time when he was a baby – that is the best birth control you can ever have!
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I like the message box idea. While we don’t use a box, when my daughter was about 11 we started a journal. Whenever she has something she doesn’t want to say face to face, she writes it in the journal and slips it under my pillow. I then write back and slip it under hers. Nothing is off limits and she will never get in trouble for anything she puts in it. This has been working really well for us for the past 3 years!
Theresa recently posted…Wordless Wednesday ~ Checkers
Yep. I’s easier for them to open up about awkward topics when they don’t have to face you directly. Try talking in the front seat of the car on a drive.
My kids were into sports and played sports so we would always start out conversations that were causal about something they were interested in and most times the conversations would then turn into something more.
I also think asking about their day and maybe being a little more specific with a follow up question can help.
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I have a while to go with this for my son, but these are great tips! My boyfriend’s daughter is a teenager and he’s always looking for better ways to connect with her, so I’ll pass these on!
Nikki recently posted…I’m Opting My Son Out of State Standardized Testing
These are nice parenting tips for teens. Thank you for these great information! Adds more help and guidance for parents to bond and interact with their teens.
I have a 13yr old son who doesn’t really like to talk unless it’s about a video game that he’s interested in owning. My daughter is 17 and while we have a close relationship we don’t talk that much either unless we’re out shopping together. Getting out of the house sure does help when you want to initiate a conversation.
Amanda Love recently posted…Baby Mantra Review – Great For Everyone!
I worry about how to keep communication going with my son when he turn into a teen. I really like the idea of a message box. Gotta start trying that now with him.
Onica {MommyFactor} recently posted…Kindergartner in the Men’s Bathroom? – WordFUL Wednesday
I want to cherish my son being a kid for a LOONG time. I remember how I was as a teen and I’m a bit nervous. It’s so easy to talk to him now even though he is only 5 and will be 6 next month…I hope he stays that way and can always be open with us.
Marielle recently posted…Arm Candy: Leather Charm Bracelet Review!
These are some great tips for those tricky humans called teenagers 🙂 You’re a good momma!
Kristen from The Road to Domestication recently posted…How to Hang Curtains – A Step-by-Step Guide
I think the date night works well even for 5 year Olds OR your spouse and everyone in between
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