Parenting Teens
Understanding Your Teen
Ah, the teenager. That curious creature who used to be your sweet, cuddly, chatterbox child is now a sometimes-sullen almost-adult. What happened? Why did they change?
Teens are looking for independence and a lot of times parents have a hard time giving that to them, whether because they actually don't trust their teens, or because they still see their teen as a child. And believe us, your teenager knows. And they don't like it.
Have you ever had a dinnertime conversation that went something like this?
Parent: How was your day?
Teen: Fine.
Parent: What did you do?
Teen: Nothing.
Parent: What did you learn in school?
Teen: Nothing.
Parent: Nothing?!
Teen: [rolls eyes]
Well, you've just experienced the Adolescent Snub.
This week, Dr. Phelan talks about:
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The ways that your teen is changing
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How that changes your level of control AND your job as a parent
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What your teen hears when you ask what they did in school (and why they dislike it)
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Ways to have an actual, pleasant conversation at the dinner table