Keeping the door of communication open
A Parent’s Guide to Communicating with Your Teen
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Get word-for-word scripts for tough topics
Learn how to listen so your teen actually feels heard
Turn tense silences into moments of real connection
Talking to your teenager can sometimes feel like you’re speaking two different languages. The open conversations you once had might be replaced with one-word answers and closed doors. But even when it feels difficult, your relationship is the key to their well-being. Here, you’ll find practical strategies, specific scripts, and a clear path toward rebuilding trust and having the conversations that matter—from everyday check-ins to life’s biggest challenges.
Foundational skills for better conversations
These guides provide the essential skills for having better, more honest conversations.
- How to talk to your teenager: Tips for better communication: Move beyond one-word answers and learn the fundamentals of building stronger, more open discussions.
- Active listening skills: How to listen to your teen: Learn how to listen so your teen feels truly heard—the essential first step to getting them to open up.
Navigating difficult conversations
When a teen is struggling, every word matters. These guides provide a roadmap for the most challenging conversations.
- How to talk to a teen who doesn’t want to talk: Find gentle, effective ways to open the door to conversation, even when they keep trying to shut it.
- How to talk to your teen about residential treatment and mental health: Get a step-by-step guide for one of the most difficult conversations a parent can have, focusing on compassion, clarity, and strength.
Tailored approaches
Boys and girls often face different social pressures and have different communication styles.
- How to talk to your teenage daughter: Learn how to speak with her about the intense pressures of friendships, social media, and self-esteem.
- How to talk to your teenage son: Learn how to connect with him on his terms and create a safe space for him to share what’s really going on.
Building connection beyond words
Sometimes the best way to get a teen talking is to stop trying to talk. These activities create connection through shared experiences.
- 16 communication activities for teens: Use these fun, low-pressure activities to build trust and make conversation feel natural, rather than forced.