How I wish I am their best friend. Listen! Listen! and Listen! No matter what nonsense he or she wish to tell me, I would always listen, lending my ears completely. Friends always come first. Friends are always on their side; Always ready to fight for them, not condemning or to tell them that they are wrong. As parents we have to try our best to be their friends too. We cannot afford to show them authority all the times. Only then we would be able to gain power over them. However, as a busy parent where can we finds all the time to be patience enough to keep on listening to them. More often than not, the minute we open our mouth is to scold them for coming home late or accusing them for being with the wrong company.

There are some tips I would like to share if you wish to have a better relationship with your teenager. First of all, we must learn the art of listening. The most important thing when listening is not to interfere with the talking. When they talk to their friend it is common they will tell each other off. But, if we as parents were to tell them the same way, their acceptance will be different.

Secondly, never ever make any comments/critics that your teenagers are in the wrong company. Don't show any disapproval about their behavior, not the least the behavior of their friend unless if you want to shut their mouth tight. Think of a better way to send them a message later. Still do not hit them directly. Cooked up some stories about your friends or colleague and their problems.

Thirdly, Identify the right time to start a conversation. Not every time is the right time, especially when they came home with a bad mood. Be patience and wait for the right time. If they started to talk, listen and don't jump into any conclusions or assumption. Sets you ears tentatively.

Fourthly, gets to know their friend by inviting them over or arrange for an outing together. NO matter how they look and how they behave, do not embarrass them. If their friend knows you, they would have more respect for you and your children. They would have some kind of guilty feelings if they were to bring your teenagers to the wrong direction, after seeing what a loving and caring family you can afford to show them.

Finally, if there is an opportunity, try to get to know your teenager friends's family.

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