6 top tips for communicating with teens

Sit down together

It’s best to try and sit down together for a meal at least a few times a week.

If you can’t eat together, sitting down for a chat over a cup of tea can also be beneficial!

Make time

It can be difficult when busy, but spending time doing nothing with teenagers is really important.

It doesn’t have to be a full day but an hour or two at a time can really help communications.

Enter their world

Get involved and ask questions. Do they have a favourite film or tv show?

Try and spend some time doing something they love and initiate conversations about those things.

Build trust

Remember that if something is important in your child’s life, then it’s important.

Don’t belittle their worries, they have to know that you care.

Don't be deterred

It can be hard sometimes, but don’t always take no for an answer.

Remember, you’re there to listen.

Give it time

Sometimes it may just take a little while for communications with teenagers to flow as naturally and smoothly as you’d like.