Being There for Your Teenager

How to Keep Communications Honest

The adolescent years are tough on everyone - parents and teens alike. Through trial and error, our sons and daughters seek their independence. We learn how to let go. Mutual trust, a healthy respect for personal privacy, and open communication can make the passage easier.

What Kids Want to Tell You

Many things cause teens to worry. Here are some of them:

Normal body changes. You can reassure them, avoiding jokes about changing voices and developing breasts.
Alcohol. You can be a good role model. Talk about drinking and driving. Make a pact to trust each other by signing up with Students Against Driving Drunk (SADD, P.O. Box 800, Marlboro, MA 01752).
Drugs. You can get information for yourself. If you suspect drug use, offer support for wise choices along with disapproval of the unwise ones.
Social status. Shy, insecure teens can be encouraged to join clubs or activity groups where making friends is easier.
Romance. Teen love is serious. Breakups are devastating. Your sympathy can help diffuse anger and depression.
Sex. Plenty of love at home can make it less urgent to find love through sexual encounters. You can explain how fear of pregnancy and disease changes relationships. Both of you may be embarrassed, at first, if you're too direct. But related issues can open the door. Then be as specific as you can.
Birth control. Teens are often misinformed about the consequences of sex. If it's difficult to talk about it, you can say so and provide the facts with pamphlets or books.
Trouble. Often a single run-in with the law, or an act of petty vandalism, is a one-time test of teenage bravado. You may find consistent disapproval works best. But overreaction can shut down communications. You can ask your teen why, then be alert for signs that it has happened again. Ask for help when you need it.

How Parents Can Open Doors

Special family activities, or a time when you do chores together, offer natural opportunities for conversation. Checking in without prying, teasing or blaming lets a teenager know you're interested.

You can listen and sympathize when he or she approaches you.

You can praise whenever possible. Teens are typically secretive and independent.

Your respect, trust and attention say you're ready to help.

Hard Choices Made Easier

When to take a stand, when to argue, and when to let go are hard choices for parents. Your personal guidelines might consider:

Is the issue negotiable?
Is an argument productive?
Is the behavior harmful?
Is experience going to prove the best teacher?
Is there a positive approach?

As in any relationship, constructive criticism is easier to take. The trick is to say that something was wrong without saying the one who did it is hopeless.

They Need You and Love You

You can help your teen mature when love and trust are the basis of your relationship. A positive attitude and realistic expectations are important. Open communication is the key.

Equally important is the support available to you outside the home. Parent groups, school and community counselors can give you ideas and skills. For drug and alcohol problems, 24-hour service lines are listed in the telephone directory.

Employee Assistance of the Pacific