How to Connect with Your Teens

Forget the long lectures and scheduled meetings when it comes to bonding with your child. "Preteens and teens need their parents as much, if not more, than they did when they were younger," says Michael Riera, PhD, author of Staying Connected to Your Teenager (De Capo Press). "But they hate anything that smacks of 'let's sit down and talk.' So you've got to be creative." Use these tips from real parents for staying close with your kid. If you can do as they do, you might just find there will be a whole lot more talking going on in your family.

By Nancy Kalish

Prev 1 2 3 (of 8) Next

Linked-In Move #1: Sneak Up from the Side
"I used to ask John, my 15-year-old, all types of questions and just get a shrug," says Jackie Ghosen, from Buffalo, New York. "Then one day we took a walk together and the answers came rolling out. So I try to create opportunities to 'side talk.' I'll help him stuff inserts in his newspapers for his paper route or have him help me fold towels."

Why It Works
Most teens are like John, says Riera. "Sitting straight across from kids and insisting on eye contact makes them feel judged and self-conscious," he explains. "But being able to look straight ahead at nothing gives them a comfort zone."

Next Page >>