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Communication styles for older children

Communicating with a stressed child/teenager in the wrong way can sometimes make the situation worse. Below are some top tips to help you relieve some of the stress off your child.

 

Before starting the conversation

Before starting a conversation with your teenager, follow these quick tips to make sure the talk doesn’t get off to a bad start.

  • Respect their privacy.
  • Give them increasing independence.
  • Accept all of their feelings.
  • Pick the right moment to start a conversation.

 

Top tips when talking to your teenager

What to do:

  • Use appropriate language and keep it simple.
  • Keep the conversation to the point and avoid rambling.
  • Talk to your teenager when you are both in the same place – emotionally as well as physically.
  • Mean what you say.
  • Check that the message has been received and understood.

What to avoid:

  • Avoid nagging.
  • Don’t betray their trust by passing on information they told you in private.
  • Try not to ask too many questions.
  • Don’t refuse to apologise when you’re wrong.
  • Avoid overwhelming your teenager with information.
  • Don’t speak over each other.

 

 

Interested in learning more about teenagers? Check out the ‘Secondary School’ pages.

Still need help?

Send an enquiry to our friendly Healthy Sandwell team.

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