Talking with your teenage children can be complicated. It almost seems like they speak another language altogether with today’s slang and social media trends. They wish to be more independent and maybe start pulling away from their parents.
The bridge between you and your teen can seem even harder to cross after a divorce. So, how can you maintain open communication with your teenage children?
1. Meet them in the middle
Today’s technology can make it easier to keep in touch with your children – and even meet them where they are at. While you may still want to enforce rules to reduce your child’s screen time, that same screen can help you stay connected with them.
Your children might roll their eyes at your social media profiles or messages, but the effort shows you are reaching out to them. It proves your actions match your words.
Note: Cell phones can provide the option of constant communication. However, you must make sure you and your co-parent do not interfere too much with each other’s parenting time. In order to strike a balance between in-person time and digital communication, it can help to set some ground rules in your North Carolina parenting plan. This can help ensure you are both on the same page as well, to reach your children together.
2. Commit to the long term
While seeking independence is a normal stage of development for teenagers, it can feel anything but normal. This is especially true as your family gets used to the new co-parenting arrangement.
There are steps you can take to keep communicating effectively with your teenager even as they pull away. However, how do you lay the groundwork for the new normal after divorce as well? It will take time. Taking steps to bridge the gap that can grow during your child’s teenage years will not yield instant results.
Even so, you can take measures to protect your parent-child relationship and build a strong foundation for the future. Be present now, and make sure your child knows you are always there for them – no matter what. That will help make sure the lines of communication and the connection between you stay strong.