How to Communicate With and Listen to Your Teen: 3 Key Tips - HealthyChildren.org

communication-discipline~American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) provides some tips for parents on how to effectively communicate with their teen.

En bref

Ajouté le

25 mars 2026

Public

parent

Niveaux scolaires

9e année (3e)–12e année (Terminale)

Type de page

Article

Mots-clés

teens; how to talk to teen; teenager; communicate with teen; active listening; good communication; effective parenting; discipline; parent-child communication; relational health; mental health; sexual activity; sexuality; substance use; bullying

Introduction

Tips for Communicating With Your Teen

  • Prioritize Listening: The most effective communication strategy is listening rather than speaking.
  • Turn Off the "Parent Alarm": Avoid immediate, instinctual reactions or judgments, which can shut down open dialogue.
  • Avoid Catastrophizing: Remain a calm, rational presence. Overreacting to a teen's concerns increases their anxiety and discourages them from seeking your advice in the future.
  • Avoid Over-Empathizing: Do not mirror or heighten a teen's temporary emotional outbursts (e.g., joining in on hating a friend), as this can make you appear naive or overly involved when their feelings inevitably shift.
  • Sharing Values: Teens are open to hearing parental values, provided they are shared without being condescending, judgmental, or attacking the teen's personal choices/friends.
  • Avoid "The Lecture": Lectures are often perceived as hostile or condescending. Because teens (especially younger ones) may struggle with abstract thinking—and because those in crisis cannot process abstract lessons—wisdom should be delivered in concrete, relatable terms.

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