"If you listen, they will talk. If you lecture, they will walk".
Tips for Talking to your Teenagers
1. Pay attention to the environment. Carefully choose the right setting and the right time for a conversation.
2. Pay attention to yourself. What is your body language saying? Are you really telling your teenagers you want to
talk with them?
3. Use communication encouragers. Smiles and head nods are good encouragers; it's the little things that encourage
your teenagers to keep talking.
4. Restate what you have heard. Every so often, put into words what you think your teenagers are trying to
communicate. Listening is hard work; make sure you understand what your children are trying to say.
5. Use open‐ended questions. Some questions can shut down a conversation; open‐ended questions encourage
mutual problem solving and collaboration.
6. Use reflections of feeling and content. Be an empathic listener, and hear your teenager's perspectives and their
feelings.
7. Make helpful interpretations. Don't try to be a know‐it‐all, but look for important patterns and themes in what
your children are saying.
8. Appropriately disclose personal information. Recounting both the good events and the difficult things you have
faced in your life can help your teenagers better see their path and their challenges.
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How to Talk to Your Teenager About Career Choices
How to Talk to Your Teenager About Career Choices
Consider the following tips to get the conversation going …
X Be open. Try not to impose your interests or desires on your teenager.
Remember what it was like for you at their age. You likely wanted to make your own decisions and come to your own
conclusions. Now they are trying to form their own identity and understand their strengths, values, and interests.
Encourage them to explore options and try to let them decide their own direction. Ask questions like "What do you
think about..." rather than "You should…"
X Be aware that you and your teenager may be very different from one another.
You are likely different from your parents in terms of your own unique personality, abilities, and interests. Most people
that report success and happiness in their careers work in an environment that "fits" them.
X Help your student think about their interests, skills, and personalities. Explore with them.
Reflect with your teenager on their past academic successes and interests. What were their favorite subjects in high
school? What was their least favorite? What occupies their free time? Can they list their hobbies and passions?
X Suggest your student talk to a career counselor at Kent State's Career Services Center.
These are experienced helpers with access to a variety of resources that can help your teenager make informed career
decisions. There are many career exploration resources and assessment tools available to help your student uncover
more about themselves, their attributes and interests, and what careers may match them.
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Dr.A.K.Gangotia
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