Conversations build connections. When kids feel connected to their parents and caregivers, they are more likely to feel good and make healthy decisions. When we take time to talk (and listen), we can really get to know so much about our teens. What are important topics to discuss with kids now? I suggest asking your teen about the roller coaster of feelings they may be experiencing related to covid-19, but also delving into more sensitive topics that you could have been putting off like body changes, vaping, porn, sexting and consent. Some of you may have also we tried to have conversations about difficult topics during lockdown and not had much success. So, what is the best way to approach it? Here are some tips. Ask about what their friends are doing or experiencing, use teachable moments (for example, seeing someone lighting a cigarette on TV may be a cue to talk to your teen about vaping), avoid direct eye contact and use your conversations as building blocks. Kids may not say much, but you are laying the foundation for them to come back. Bottom line: There is always a beginning for everything. So go ahead and get started! Want to learn more about talking to teens about difficult topics? Watch this 2 1/2-minute video to learn more on what to discuss and how.
Building Connections with Conversations