Parenting Teens: 6 Ways on How to Talk to Teens

Parenting teens can feel so defeating especially when knowing how to talk to teens seems so out of reach. Naturally, you want to have a conversation where you’re finding it beneficial for the both of you. However, many parents are finding the opposite. Either you or your teen(s) are leaving the conversation frustrated, angry, misunderstood, or worse off than when you started. Learning Godly, safe, and healthy ways on how to talk to teens will help with this season of parenting teens.

Life with teens can prove to be rewarding and yes, even joyful.

Whether it’s with big issues or simply trying to have a normal conversation, parenting teens or any adult with a teen in their life feel like they can’t connect with this generation at all. However, how to talk with your teenager is something we can overcome and bear fruit from those communications that can be a blessing to many.

The sad part is, people stop trying. Teenagers end up for the most part getting ignored and those voices who are “listening” may be voices that are negative and may lead them down the wrong path. Unfortunately, this leaves a whole generation desperate to be heard and willing to pay the price in order for that to happen.

<Print and laminate as a reminder>

***Now I have to say this because this is the internet and I don’t know who is reading this but this is in the context of having Godly, healthy and appropriate communications with teens to further promote and encourage Godly, healthy, and appropriate relationships.***

Teens are in an interesting place and it’s what I call “teen purgatory”. They aren’t exactly a child anymore and many people don’t consider them an adult so people don’t know how to treat them and often treat them more like a child with the expectation of wanting them to act like an adult.

Let me attempt to simplify this for you, treat them with the respect of an adult but with the filter of a child. Oftentimes, I think parents and adults don’t filter their language around teens because “they hear it all the time anyway”. We are called to be the example of holiness and that includes our language. This will be discussed further in one of the ways of how to talk with your teenager.

This simply means watch what you say around them because they are still very much influenced and if you’re think they’re not listening, you’re wrong. They most definitely are!

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” (Eph. 4:29)

So, what do you do? Where do you start? Here are a few TEEN APPROVED tips on how to talk with your teenager (I checked with some teens in my life) to help get the conversation started and hopefully be the start of an amazing relationship with the teens around you.

Parenting Teens: 6 Ways on How to Talk to Teens

1) Timing is everything.

When it comes to having a conversation with anyone, timing is everything but for teens there are some key times I have found consistently in having conversations with teens. Usually I have found right after school is a great time to talk, right before bedtime, or in the car. Parents for some reason, these are the times they are most open to speak.

Picking them up for school, asking them to call/text right when they get home, saying good night (remember all the conversations that would happen when you would tuck them in at night, still a thing for teens), driving places, use that time to speak to them and ask other people to honor those times by letting them know you aren’t available to speak until after they are dropped off, etc.

If you are a friend, Youth Pastor or Youth Leader, then of course the times you meet have to be appropriate so right before bedtime won’t be one of those times. The whens and the wheres are going to look different for everyone. However, if you have an after school program or you are driving teens somewhere for a Youth event. This is a great opportunity to get them to open up to you.

Keep an eye out and take note for when your teen seems the most open to talk. They are definitely those windows of opportunity so grab hold of them. It may be separate from these times but one way to tell if a teen wants to talk, is if they are lingering around. Invite them to sit down, get them to look at you in the eyes (eyes are the windows to the soul and hold clues to what really may be going on), and ask them what’s on their minds. And WAIT! Don’t rush it, it may take them time to have courage to speak so don’t rush this moment.

Also, be on the lookout for when it’s NOT a good time to talk. Now you may be thinking or feeling like, “Well that’s all the time!” and this may or may not be the case but the reality is everyone has off moments and we learn to steer clear of them. Teens are no different. Remember, it’s okay if there are times where your teen needs a moment. My own teen daughter will let me know, “Mom, now is not a good time…just give me a few minutes.” Give them that time but schedule a time for later so this doesn’t become a habit to get you away. Be respectfully persistent.

2) Create space for communication.

In the world of technology and how it is today, we can all get lost in our phones or computers.

By creating a space for communication in eliminating distractions it can help everyone focus in on each other and give each other space for natural conversation to ensue.

Even playing a board game together, is more effective than sitting with everyone on their phones. It allows everyone to get to know each other on a fun competitive level and creates memories for years to come.

Tip within a tip: Teens still love to play board games.

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Prov. 22:6)

Another option is to have family meetings where everyone can come with their concerns and talk about what’s going on. This allows a safe sounding board where they feel comfortable in saying what’s been on their mind. For instance, in our house we have kids in all different stages so my teenager may feel neglected and this is the space where she can say so. This allows us to make it more of a point to include her or set aside more time for her during the week. I suggest a weekly family meeting because as time goes on they will experience the safety and trust in that space allowing them to open up more and more.

Setting this type of communication now can help them come to you later in life whether its with college concerns, marital issues, or child rearing. They will appreciate it.

Tip within a tip: If you title sharing concerns as “prayer requests” I have found teens are more open to share because it supernaturally releases the burden into the hands of an Almighty King and they don’t feel like they are placing the burden on you.

3) Give compliments or suggestions not insults.

Oftentimes as parents, we are so consumed with the “work” of parenting that we forget they are a person who has feelings and insecurities. Try having a conversation where you aren’t nit picking what they are doing or asking them about certain areas on their body they are having teen issues with. Who wants to have a conversation with someone who constantly points out what’s wrong with them?! I know I don’t! Allow them to come as they are and be free in your presence.

Tip within a tip: Suggest when they ask. For instance, if they are having skin issues, wait for them to come to you for help and then give them your advice.

Side Note: This doesn’t include situations that are a harm to them or others. Obviously, if you notice your teen hasn’t been eating or are severely depressed then we are called to step in and say something. As always, ask the Holy Spirit for guidance.

Also, we can provide information without being rude.

For instance, if my daughter would attempt to walk out of the house with a see-through shirt on I would say, “If you want to wear that shirt, you need to put a tank top underneath it because I don’t know if you know this (give them the benefit of the doubt) but I can see through your shirt.” She honestly may not know. Sometimes even as a woman now, I may not know my shirt is see through unless it’s in a certain light. However, if our aim is to just insult, embarrass, or harass our teen, then we close the door to healthy communication.

“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” (Rom. 12:10)

Also, compliment! In learning how to talk with your teenager, you will notice one of the fastest way to a teen’s heart is to compliment. If you like their sneakers, say so. If you like the color of their hair, say so! They have so many insecurities that when you point out great things about them you can literally see them soften and lighten up around you.

Fluff their feathers! The world is so busy trying to pluck them out.

4) Small things matter.

Big conversations happen through the small ones.

Adults want to avoid teenage “drama” at all costs. However, what people don’t realize is when they can trust you with their “drama” then they can trust you with more sensitive issues.

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much..” (Luke 16:10)

Also, stop considering it drama. Think of it as little windows into their life that they are allowing you in to. Take advantage because if they notice you don’t care or are annoyed with it, they will close that door and move on. Oftentimes, we have seen or will see the destruction that can cause if they move on to unhealthy forms of communication or behavior.

5) Create a daily check-in.

With teenagers, the more consistent you are the more they believe you care. Now I know our first instinct is to say, “Well they should know I care! Don’t they see everything I do for them?!” Unfortunately, they may not. Teenagers are bullied in various degrees, holding tight to deep insecurities, and have to deal with the world telling them everything they are not. They can be so consumed with these things that it can be hard to see or experience the care you are providing to them.

Shout your love to them! Sometimes the world is too loud and will attempt to drown your voice and the voice of God out. Don’t let it happen!

Check in with them every single day. Why? The enemy is. He wants to take your child out. He has assignments against this generation.

Call, text, Facetime, sit down on their bed, and have a conversation. Even though technology can definitely have its negative attributes, there is an upside to it and that’s being able to communicate with your teen from pretty much anywhere. Whether it’s your lunch break, you are overseas, on the way home from work (obviously don’t text and drive), you can find or purposefully make a window where you can peer into your teenager’s heart and show them you are there.

Learning how to talk with your teenager means making intentional time to do so.

6) Speak with respect and a filter.

Like I said in the beginning, you want to talk to your teen with the respect of an adult yet with the filter of a child. Teens are to be treated with respect.

Ask yourself, “If I approached my boss, spouse, or best friend the way I approach my teen, would they be okay with the way I speak to them?”

If the answer is “NO”, then change the way you talk. Teens are no different.

Unfortunately, in many cultures talking down to your teen encourages respect and affirmation from other adults. At what cost?! Your teen diving deep into depression and drugs to heal from hurtful words from a source (YOU) that is supposed to love them unconditionally? Do you remember the nasty things people have said and done to you? Be the person you wish you had when you were young. It’s ok to treat your teenager with love and respect. It produces beautiful and wonderful things.

Communication can make or break any relationship. It’s our duty and calling to work at it even if we never had the best example.

Another thing is that adults make the mistake of making crude sexually explicit jokes, cursing, or attempt to connect in all the wrong ways. This is where the filter of a child comes in. Don’t start dropping F-bombs while conversing with a teen because you think it’s cool. Talk to them like you would if Jesus was standing right next to you. The reality is they will cringe at your words and steer clear of awkward conversation at all costs.

Our love for Jesus Christ and His work done on the cross eliminates all excuses for not working to be better in this area. He is our Ultimate Resource and when we ask for help, you better believe He will show up and show off in you and your teen’s life.

I pray these tips on how to talk with your teenager will help close the gap between you and the next generation whether they are directly in your family or elsewhere. We are called to do community together. In my 15 years of Youth Ministry experience and having raised a teen of my own, I know teens are longing to have healthy loving examples of what it’s like to walk this Christian life out in love, family, and everyday life.

Again, be the person you needed when you were young to a teen in your life.

Baskets of Blessings,

Nina Daugherty