We’ve all heard it before—bridging the communication gap with a teen can feel like trying to build a bridge with spaghetti. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We’re diving into one of the most critical aspects of parenting: communicating with your teenager. Today’s guest, Mark Gregston, a renowned expert and founder of Parenting Today’s Teens, will share his invaluable insights and practical tips to help you connect with your teen in meaningful ways. Mark will guide us through the challenges and nuances of communicating with teenagers and will explore common barriers, effective strategies, and real-life examples that illustrate how to navigate those tough conversations. Whether it’s dealing with a defiant teen or simply trying to understand their world, this episode is packed with actionable advice to improve your relationship with your teen.
Blueprint Tips to better connect with your teen:
- Start with Listening: Give your teen space to share without interruption.
- Validate Feelings: You don’t have to agree, but acknowledge their emotions.
- Ask Open Questions: Replace “Why did you do that?” with “Help me understand what happened.”
- Stay Calm: Your tone sets the temperature for the conversation.
- End with Encouragement: Leave them feeling heard and valued, even if you disagree.
You can find out more about Mark’s ministry at Parenting Today’s Teens and Heartlight Ministries. Also, if you’d like to hear some of the teen’s stories from Heartlight Minstries go to Heartlight Stories
Listen to Unlocking the Secrets to Effective Communication with Your Teen with Mark Gregston
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