How To Engage Your Teenager?

The myth that adults need to be trendy and cool to connect with teenagers is not true. Teenagers want genuine connections, and they can show their care by showing interest in what is important to them. To engage a distressed teenager who refuses to talk, follow these steps:

1. Join a club or organization to meet other kids with similar interests.

2. Be real with your teen by talking about their hobbies and interests, saying positive things every day.

3. Cut them some slack by encouraging them to stay active and involved in household responsibilities.

4. Engage young people in evaluating and improving your program by training and supporting teens to review and help interpret program data.

5. Control your emotions by asking questions about the things they enjoy and are passionate about.

6. Don’t let their behaviors push you away; maintain the connection and be present. Tolerate restlessness, respect loneliness, and accept discontent as part of the natural progression from child to adult.

7. Approach conversations with empathy and understanding by building on your relationship and being an active listener.

8. Listen to your teen’s words and ask questions about their interests, goals, and experiences.

9. Avoid lecturing and interrogating, allowing yourself to suspend judgments and try to understand the world around them.

10. Encourage open communication by talking about your teens’ day, volunteering, making dinner together, and solving problems.

11. Remember that trust, understanding, and honesty are the keys to open channels of communication with teenagers.