Help Your Teen Call the Right Plays

1. Be Approachable, Not Authoritative

• Create a calm, welcoming tone—avoid jumping into “fix-it” mode right away.

• Show you're open to whatever your teen wants to talk about, even if it’s uncomfortable or unfamiliar to you.

2. Create Moments for Casual Connection

• Teens often open up during everyday activities—driving, cooking, walking the dog.

• Avoid intense eye contact or pressure to “sit down and talk.” Keep it low-key and natural.

3. Listen Without Judgment or Reactivity

• Stay calm, even if you hear something surprising. Your first reaction can determine whether they’ll come to you again.

• Say things like, “Thanks for telling me that,” or “I’m really glad you shared this with me.”

4. Respect Their Privacy, But Stay Present

• Don’t force them to share everything—teens need space to develop independence.

• Check in regularly with curiosity, not interrogation. “How have things been going lately?” goes further than “What’s wrong?”

5. Model Openness and Vulnerability

• Share your own thoughts and feelings appropriately. When teens see you being honest, it builds mutual trust.

• Show that it’s okay to talk about emotions, challenges, or mistakes—without shame.