Teen-Parent Communication Coaching

If you’re the parent of a teenager, or ever have been, you probably know that the lines of communication between the two of you can sometimes be stretched quite thin. Most parents can roll their eyes and chuckle, shrugging this lack of communication off as a standard phase that every teen goes through. And while teenagers certainly look for their own independence, and some are likely to be more defiant than others, no communication between a teen and their parent can become a serious problem, that unfortunately isn’t benefiting anyone. Even worse, your teen could need that communication, but simply doesn’t know how to actively pursue it.

That lack of communication can lead to a lack of respect, arguments, and all around discord between parents and teens, that can affect that teenager for the rest of their lives, and cause strained family relationships.

Communicative Life Coaching

Because communication problems between teenagers and their parents have grown more and more prominent over time, communication coaching has taken shape in many forms. When it comes to coaching that assists in helping parents and teens to communicate, there are many factors to look at. Common communication complaints from parents often include:

Not being heard
Not feeling appreciated
Not feeling valued

While teens often complain about:

Not being heard
Not feeling appreciated
Not feeling valued

Do you notice a pattern?

What To Expect

When it comes to actually attending sessions for communication coaching, breaking down those issues is the main goal after identifying them. Typically, when two people aren’t communicating, it’s because there are walls between them of some kind. Breaking down these walls is the key to a healthy relationship between a parent and a teen. From there, healthy, respectful, enjoyable interaction can be practiced.

When parents and teens start to realize that they are not alone in how they feel, but rather, are feeling similar things, it’s easier for them to start to feel more relatable toward each other. Both parties can learn more respect, and courtesy.

Communication coaching also helps both parents and teens to recognize certain behaviors, and provides the tools on how to respond and adapt to those behaviors. More often than not, instead of arguments or cold silence, a simple question or response can be given to open a respectful line of communication, creating a healthier balance and relationship between the family members.

When it comes to a peaceful atmosphere at home between you and your teenager, you don’t have to tell yourself they’re simply going through a phase. If communication becomes a problem, it’s okay to recognize it, and to seek out ways to better your communication with your teen. In the end, both of you will benefit from it, and it could make an incredibly strong bond between the two of you for many years to come.

For more information on communicating with your teen, visit Kristy Hellum a therapist Santa Rosa, California. She provides individual therapy, couples therapy, and therapy for teens. Her office is near downtown Santa Rosa