by Melinda Barr

Created on: September 10, 2009

Anyone who has ever parented knows the challenges of staying connected, or in touch, with your teen. The adolescent years are an important developmental stage for your child as he navitgates the journey toward adulthood.

In these modern, somewhat chaotic times, it often feels like is more difficult now than ever before. Kids today are much more perceptive and knowledgeable than they were in years gone by. This is due to such outside influences as television, computer technology, and the increasingly changing world around us.

However, many of the tools of effective communication between parents and teenagers remain the same as they ever were. No matter which generation we are speaking of, some tips and techniques are the same effective and proven methods.

Respect

Respect is a huge goal that every parent must strive for when raising children. Respect for the parent, teachers, authority, and his self should be a given. Every child needs guidance, love and a safe environment no matter what the era.

Understanding

Understanding the additional stresses your teen is dealing with will help parents cope with this challenging period of the child's development. Being receptive and caring, and practicing active listening will benefit both the child and the parent. Dealing with current issues like the availability of drugs, school violence and bullying are examples of challenges our teens are facing today. By being an aware parent, you can more easily become a prepared parent.

Ethics and values

Teaching your child the foundation of your family ethics and values will help you better prepare to assist him through the teen angst and troubles he may eventually face. Acceptable boundaries and consequences modeled in early childhood will also help your teen adjust more readily to the additional pressures he may experience during his teen years. These lessons learned early in childhood will serve him well as he grows and matures.

The open door policy

If your child knows that you are always available to discuss his concerns or issues without duress or judgment, he will be more prepared and acceptable to open communication during the teen years. By maintaining a gentle tone and modeling acceptable communication practices, you provide him with additional tools to assist him later in life. Any concern or opinion he may have, even if you do not agree with it, can be openly discussed in an honest and reasonable manner.

Although there are seemingly more challenges facing both parents and teens today, there are still no acceptable reasons why you cannot learn to communicate openly, honestly and without fear of retribution or judgment.

Respect and trust are two of the tools that model effective communication with your teen. To stay connected, you must be able to talk to each other.

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