Also, children and teens who have more rules and boundaries to follow have higher self- esteem. This also helps them to feel more secure.
We all want to be heard when we talk.
Teens especially want to be heard when they talk.
Children and Teens want and need to be heard from their parents or caregivers.
I counsel teens everyday and many of them tell me that their parents do not listen to them when they speak about how they are feeling.
If you are raising a child or a teen and you want to connect with them better- take the time to listen attentively when they speak to you.
Close your computer.
Put away your phone.
Stop watching T.V.
Communication is mostly non-verbal. Show your child or teen that you are engaged in their conversation with you by sitting toward them and looking at them when they speak.
Stop being concerned about what you want to say back to them and instead, repeat back to your teen what you heard them saying to you...(in a loving tone such as: I hear you saying that....) Then, show empathy, such as saying that you can see why and how they must be frustrated.
Then- ask them how you can help.
Then- you can say more but even then- chose your words carefully....and use "I" statements such as: "I get concerned some times for your safety when you do not text me back".
Do not force or push them to talk. Just let them know that they can come to you and then make yourself available when they do.
Love them.
Listen to them.
Be the kind of person that you would like them to be.
Hug them.
Have Hope! Renew Health! and...........
There is ALWAYS HOPE and HEALING!
Do Not Give Up!
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Blog By
Diane Davidson Gammon M.S.
Clinical Mental Health Counselor
Diane is clinically supervised
by Michael Loftis LCSW
Open Full-Time Days - Monday through Saturday
With Evening Appointments
Sliding Scale Fee for Individual Counseling Sessions
Free Support Groups for: Depression, Anxiety, Panic, Hopelessness, Trauma, PTSD, Abuse, and Grief and Loss (Including Miscarriage/ Stillbirth/ Infant loss)
Open Full-Time Days - Monday through Saturday
With Evening Appointments
Sliding Scale Fee for Individual Counseling Sessions
Free Support Groups for: Depression, Anxiety, Panic, Hopelessness, Trauma, PTSD, Abuse, and Grief and Loss (Including Miscarriage/ Stillbirth/ Infant loss)
With Evening Appointments
Sliding Scale Fee for Individual Counseling Sessions
Free Support Groups for: Depression, Anxiety, Panic, Hopelessness, Trauma, PTSD, Abuse, and Grief and Loss (Including Miscarriage/ Stillbirth/ Infant loss)
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