Happy New Year!
You’ve signed up for the parenting guru’s newsletters. You’ve listened to the parenting podcast. Of course, more conscious, relational parenting is the approach that works best for today’s teens. You agree.
But how does it translate to your family on the daily?
Let’s talk about what works on a practical level with teens in 2025. There are practical steps to communicating in a relational way that not only gets teens to hear you but gets helps them take personal responsibility and build a positive future together while solidifying your bond for a lifetime.
I’ve been blessed to have an international career in youth development and research that spans nearly 40 years. During that career, I was privileged to serve as the executive director of my local boys and girls club.
One thing always worked with even the toughest teens with the hardest exteriors and defenses. Many of them rightfully defended themselves against the rough social variables such as an incarcerated parent, drug addicted parent, physical abuse and neglect and even gang style bullying or hazing. One thing cut through those sophisticated defense systems and tough exteriors.
That one thing was, to demonstrate that we (our youth development professionals) looked past the clothes, tattoos and defiance, to see and speak to their potential, highest selves!
If you speak to their highest self, the highest self often shows up. Here’s an example how…
Example: We would say things like this. You see that kid sitting on the bench in the gym. He only has a mom at home, and he really doesn’t know how to shoot baskets, would you take the time to go show him a few things? You would really be helping me out if you got him involved. Almost always, the teen would see himself in that young awkward tween and step into his compassionate higher self to go help and interact.
Afterwards, we were quick to affirm the “true character and leadership” of this teen and help him see himself differently.
The affirmation and gratitude would go something like this which led to an invitation to engage further.
“Thanks so much for helping out this afternoon. Your attention helped him feel included. You are a leader. Would you come back tomorrow and help us paint? We need you.”
If positive youth development approaches work with teen wannabie gang members, they will surely work for your teen. I promise YOUR teen’s defense system isn’t much different.
This new year, we can ignite our teen’s best and highest selves with conscious, relational parenting with such conscious communication tools as gratitude, affirmation and invitation.
We can make conscious, relational parenting and communication our 2025 norm!
BUT…
Everyone needs support to stay consistent. I often hear from parents that they are worried about whether or not they are doing enough to protect and prepare their teens for an uncertain world. Your journey doesn’t have to be a solo one and you don’t have to be the only adult in the room.
All you need, is an affordable, practical, positive, supportive group experience BECAUSE…
YOU want to step into your best parenting self in 2025!
I’m starting new group experiences in 2025! And at least one of them matches your needs.
- Back on Track Parent Communication Group, demonstrates how conscious communication works to help your teen step into, personal responsibility and their highest selves;
- Launching Young Adults, Parent Group, shares the latest research to prepare you to launch your teen into young adulthood; or
- My NEW Group – Conscious Moms (at Midlife): Sacred Transformation which helps moms redefine their nurturing with new relational boundaries with launching young adults and launching new versions of themselves as they approach an emptying nest.
Email Laura@LauraLReagan.com for the latest details on the group experience that best meets your parenting needs.
