Parenting Tips for Teens
Read below for Five Steps in Active Communication.



Basic Discipline Communication Tips
Start with Polite Requests:
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Not every problem or conflict requires firm discipline or a lot of discussion. Asking your teen politely for what you want is often enough to influence them to change their behavior.
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Example: "Honey, from now on will you do a favor and bring your dirty dishes to the sink when you're done?" or "Honey, I noticed you forgot to put your dishes in the sink. Please come and get them."
Move to "I" Messages:
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If the problem behavior continues, use an "I" message which are firm, friendly, and surprisingly effective.
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First, name the behavior or situation you want changed. Example: "I have a problem with your leaving dirty dished in the living room."
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Say how you feel about the situation. Example: "I feel taken advantage of..."
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State your reason. Example: "because I have to spend time and energy cleaning up after you."
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Say what you want done. Example: "When you leave the den, I want you to bring your dirty dishes to the kitchen and put them in the dishwasher."
Firm Reminders:
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Changing habits is not easy. Whether your teen simply forgets or they are testing if you are really committed to the change, you will have to be firm at times.
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The key is to keep Firm Reminders short, simple, direct, and strong. Example: "Dishes, Sink, Now."
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If you meet resistance or apathy, stay calm and focused.
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The above tips are sourced from our classroom textbooks Teens in Action: A Teen's Guide for Surviving and Thriving in the 21st Century by Michael H. Popkin and Peggy Hendrickson.