Effective Parenting for Teens

  • Be Heard
  • Will you know?
  • Rules & Boundaries
  • Expected Bumps

Will You Know?

  • Respect teens' independence
  • It's about safety not control
  • Explain your reasoning
  • Be a good listener
  • Talk so your teen will listen
  • Teach in a calm environment

Will your teen really tell you what is going on?

The truth is that you can set rules, but monitoring them can be pretty hard.

We used to think that monitoring was only about asking questions and watching closely. We now know that parents are much more likely to know what is going on in their teens’ lives when teenagers choose to share with them.

You may have guessed that whether your teen will share his whereabouts and activities with you has something to do with your relationship and how you achieve that balance of warmth, support, and need to know (control).

But how do you achieve the right balance of support and control? You know your child best, but there are some general strategies to consider.

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Strategies to Keep Teens Talking
Dr. Flaura Winston





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This site offers general parenting guidelines. You know your child best. Please consider looking to local professional sources for parenting advice. School counselors, medical professionals, and clergy may all serve as resources to guide parents toward local professionals.