Teen Connection

From Parenting Teens

Maintaining a Connection with Your Teens

  1. Understand THEIR world.

    • Know their friends
    • Know their music and entertainment
    • Know their website, blog, or MySpace
  2. Make room in YOUR world.
    • Be available to chat anytime they are willing!
    • Be home when they are home.
    • Anytime they need to talk, you will make time for a date.
  3.  Find ways to connect.
    • Find some neutral activities to do together.
    • Be intentional about staying in touch- call, text, and email often.
    • You want to influence? You do it through relationship.
  4. Support their Interests
    • Attend their games, concerts etc.
    • Fund them and drive them.
    • Ask questions about their activities and passions.
  5. Double dose of affirmation.
    • Encourage more than critique.
    • Become their cheerleader & be their greatest fan.
    • Support their dreams and dream even bigger ones for them.
  6. Double dose of affection.
    • Find ways to keep hugging.
    • Your arms need to be the safest place for your growing adult.
    • No one is too old for a kiss good night.
  7. Don’t personalize their attitudes.
    • Teen emotions are all over the place. That is normal.
    • Your relationship needs to be a secure place for growing maturity.
    • Don’t take most of their explosions personally, “It’s NOT about you!

“Love Long. Love Hard. Love Right”

©2008 Dr. Dave Currie and Christie Rayburn

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