How to Get Teenagers to Talk

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Recognize teens' need for independence and privacy is strong during these years.

   Realize that teen years is the hardest period in a persons life, you can understand as you were once a teenager.
   
   Teenagers want to feel cool and independent like their friends.
   
   Don't be afraid to lay down some rules and when they abide by them, give them a little bit of slack.
   
   DON'T allow them to do whatever they want when they are acting up and not following the rules.
   
   You are the parent, not the teenager.
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   Step 2: Choose wisely the times and locations where your teen is most likely to talk with you.

   ,,(their friends, t.v., magazine article, etc.) as a way to take the spotlight off your teen. , When your teen opens up to you, be grateful instead of prodding for more.
   
   Their likelihood of sharing will be greater if you do not try to know too much. , School is not on the top 3 list of teens despite their academic goals. ,,, There is nothing more mundane to a teen than the question, "How was school?"
   
   Be patient!
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   Step 3: Be comfortable with silence as it can help your teen from feeling pressured to have to talk.

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   Step 4: Talk through other mediums.

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   Step 5: Less is more.

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   Step 6: Understand what's really going on in their lives.

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   Step 7: Leaving notes

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   Step 8: texting

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   Step 9: and emails can keep your teen feeling connected to you.

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    Step 10: Share stories of your teenage years that they can relate to.

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    Step 11: Ask creative and playful questions at dinnertime.

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    Step 12: Be aware that they are in a tricky stage of life called adolescence.

Detailed Guide

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