How To Bond With Teenagers

It’s funny how kids want to be around their parents round the clock but gradually detach as they get older. The detachment can be complicated for parents who love their kids’ company and fear the loss of connection. However, the teen years of any individual can be challenging, as they’re going through both physical and emotional changes and may lack understanding of how to navigate these strange changes.

Getty Images / DigitalVision / Thomas Barwick

So, how can parents try to be present for their kids? Firstly, there’s no such thing as over-communication. To communicate better, learn to listen to your kids and give them room to voice their opinions and feelings on any issues troubling them. Begin by learning about your teen’s hobbies, as well as their social and academic lives. Then, you can ask if you are entirely unsure about any of those topics. When you know more and understand things from your teens’ point of view and creates room for more open-minded discussions.

After listening to your teenager, you need to provide the right balance of support while maintaining discipline and guidance. In doing this, try not to invalidate their individual experiences, but be grateful for your teen’s maturing skills and maturity so that they know you value them and their growing ability to navigate their worlds. Lastly, try and make time for your teenage kids. Sometimes, their need for special care and attention gets masked as withdrawal. After figuring out their interests and hobbies, suggest trying one of them out together and letting your adolescent make the decision. Teens can become disgruntled and withdraw when they feel overcrowded or micromanaged. However, if people sense that you are interested in spending time with them doing something they enjoy, they are more likely to accept your invitation. Discover your teen’s love languages and how they express and receive affection. Spending quality time with them can be a terrific way to strengthen bonds and establish shared boundaries.