If you’re reading this, it probably means you have a teenager at home who’s going through those tumultuous years of self-discovery, friendship drama and school stresses. However, you’d be surprised that despite how much they push you away, they really just want to kick and scream like a toddler so someone will listen to them.
Let’s take a look at the differences between hearing, and listening. You might be surprised by just how different they are:
The basics of hearing:
We’ve all been there before. You’re cleaning the house, or focusing on work, and your teen is talking to you but you’re not quite taking in everything they’re saying.
You’re hearing the words, but you’re distracted.
The art of listening:
Maybe you’re sitting down for some one-on-one time and your teen is opening up about their day, how they’re feeling about school or daily life in general.
You’re all ears, listening and taking in every word.
Why is it so important to listen to them?
Building trust 🤝
By actively listening to your teen, it builds foundations of trust and open communication in your relationship. This trust can create a strong base for healthy relationships elsewhere, and encourage your teen to turn to you for advice and guidance when they need it most.
Encouragement and validation 👥
Listening to your teen can offer them with the validation they need, making them feel heard and valued. When you acknowledge their thoughts and feelings, you empower them to speak up, share their concerns, and grow into confident individuals 👏
You’re their mentor after all 🚀
As their parent, you have valuable life experiences to share. Listening to them will allow you to offer guidance and support, helping them through the ups and downs of life with wisdom and care. However, it’s important to remember that teen’s very often think they know the way – so it’s perfectly normal for your life advice to be completely shrugged off by them!
Do you think your teen could benefit from professional help? That’s where I come in.
