Talking to Teens
Welcome back to Term 2. Thank you for your positive feedback as we all work together to support your child's learning and wellbeing. The blog this week (delayed due to the two School Development Days) is focused around speaking to teenagers. While some of the resources are linked to COVID-19, we felt that this site has some really useful information that can suit any situation, not just during this time of great uncertainty.
We know that sometimes talking to teenagers is like learning a new language, but it is really important to do what we can to develop and strengthen our relationship with children at this time.
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What do students say they want?
The Federal Government have a website called Raising Children, a parenting website. Here are some tips that they list for staying connected to your teen and actively listening to them.
https://raisingchildren.net.au/
How to stay connected?
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Schedule time together. Find a time that suits you both - even if it is initially just a short period of time.
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Let your child choose what you’ll do, and follow their lead -this might motivate them to want to spend time with you.
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Concentrate on enjoying your child’s company - stop what you're doing and focus on the moment. . Try to be an enthusiastic partner and actively cooperate with what your child is doing – the activity itself is less important than shared fun and talking with your child. Stop what you’re doing and focus on the moment. Connecting works best when you send the message that right now, your child is the most important thing to you.
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Keep trying and stay positive. At first, your child might not be as keen as you to take part in these activities, but don’t give up.
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Look at your child while they're talking to you. Really listen to what they're saying. This sends the message that what she has to say is important to you.
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Show interest. Encourage your child to expand on what he’s saying, and explore his views, opinions, feelings, expectations or plans.
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Listen without judging or correcting. Your aim is to be with your child, not to give advice or help unless she asks for it.
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Just be there – for example, you might be in the kitchen when your child is in his bedroom. Teenagers benefit just from knowing that you’re available.
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The website also have useful information about:
Active listening: https://raisingchildren.net.au/teens/communicating-relationships/communicating/active-listening Strengthening Relationships: https://raisingchildren.net.au/teens/family-life/family-relationships/relationships-with-parents-teens Physical Distancing & Family Wellbeing: https://raisingchildren.net.au/guides/coronavirus-covid-19-guide/coronavirus-physical-distancing-and-family-wellbeing COVID-19 Tips: https://raisingchildren.net.au/guides/coronavirus-covid-19-guide/coronavirus-tips-to-manage-distancing-or-self-isolation
The website includes references if you would like to read more on these or other topics.