BUILDING A STRONG, TRUSTING RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR TEEN
A common struggle for parents of teens and preteens is establishing and maintaining a strong, trusting relationship. While there is no perfect way to ensure a close relationship with your children, there are helpful steps that can create open communication.
Here is a brief list of ways to establish a strong, trusting relationship with your preteen or teen:
• Start young by giving them small tasks/freedom to show that you are able to trust them.
• Institute clear-cut boundaries, allowing kids to feel safe and understood.
• Be consistent and stick to your word.
• Make yourself available to be a source of information and comfort.
• Lead by example.
• Act like a parent; don’t become your child’s best friend.
• Create a fun, interactive family life without a stifling atmosphere.
Again, there is no one ideal way to raise children and to develop communication with your youth. Trust that small steps and a common respect for one another are essential ways to begin to build a strong, trusting relationship.
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