Ages 14-17: Coaching
to Stay Connected
By the time your child becomes a teen you’re not just a parent but also a coach. Effective coaching means listening first. Are you:
Allowing your teen to speak about ideas or concerns?
Making an effort to understand how your teen feels?
Giving your teen an opportunity to express what he or she is thinking?
Demonstrate you are ready to listen to your teens—even if they may not always be interested in talking—help them understand your rules and advice, and take their thoughts and feelings into account.
Effective coaching means listening first.