Don’t apologize for wanting to know what’s going on in your teenager’s life. We don’t suddenly stop caring about what they’re experiencing as they become more independent.

Wanting to know who they’re talking to, what they’re thinking about, what their plans are — it’s all totally normal. Engaged parenting can even prevent risky behavior.

I’ve found that if you listen more and talk less, you’ll be better received by your teen and better able to model authentic relating and problem solving. (Of course, there is a way to listen and talk that is most effective with teens and that’s part of what I share and we practice in my Back on Track Parent and Teen Communication Program.)

By listening more and then sharing your thoughts, you may just find that they’ll open up and involve you more in their lives. And that’s something to be treasured!

Download my Conversation Starters for help to engage your teen in meaningful conversations. Pick one or two to try this week and let me know how it goes in the comments.