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During each teenagers life make sure that you talk to them on a regular basis. They need to have adult influences on them. They look up to adults for advice and support. They often look at their parents as knowledgeable and know what to do about every situation. Here are four tips on how to listen to your teen.

Spend time with your teen

The late night office hours during the week or weekend for more money doesn't make up for the lost time that could have been spent with the teen. You want your teen to know that you will be home for dinner. The teenager needs both parents during this time of their life.

Talk to your teen

The more you start conversations with your teen then the more he or she will talk. Just listen to them as they talk to you about school, girlfriends, and drugs. Explain to them why they shouldn't use drugs and talk to them about why they should wait regarding sex. Tell them it is okay to have a boyfriend or girlfriend, but nothing serious since they are not mature enough to handle a adult relationship.

Ask your teen questions

You want to keep the lines of communication open with your teen. Explain to them that they won't get in trouble if they tell you that one of friends offered them drugs, but they politely declined. Tell them that you want to get to know what is going on in their little world. Explain to them that you are always there for them if they need advice or just simply someone to talk to.

Break ups

Explain to your teen that break ups with first childhood sweetheart relationships will always hurt, but it will go away soon. Tell them that everyone goes through that through life many times. A broken heart will happen over and over again. They need to know that it isn't the end of the world even though he or she may think so. During this time if your teen had sex with the ex then he or she may disclose it, but don't freak out whatever you do. Just ask if they used protection and if its a girl then let the mother handle the situation. If its a boy then let the dad handle the situation.

Listen to the words if they are crying

Your teen might start to cry and tell you that he or she has been doing drugs or other things, but don't yell at them. Offer them help to get off the drugs and other things. Don't turn out to be the enemy, but instead be the support team of helping them straighten out their life in this world.

Most of all your teen just wants to know that someone cares. He or she needs to know that someone loves them. Your teen needs to know that he or she has someone to lean on for support to get through the tough times of the teen years.

Learn more about this author, Michelle Shelly.
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