- Open communication with teens begins by truly seeing and hearing them without judgment.
- The key to fostering dialogue is making teens feel seen and heard.
- Parents should practice deep listening without judgment and acknowledge their teen as an individual.
- When teens feel understood, it becomes easier for parents to set limits or make requests without escalating conflict.
- Building trust through attentive listening strengthens parent-teen relationships and supports cooperation.
Building Trust for Open Communication
Open communication with teenagers can be challenging for parents.
Mary Kay Jankowski, PhD, Pediatric Psychiatry