Tips for Parents & Educators on Ways to Communicate
Talking with Teens
With our busy schedules and their new found independence, it’s sometimes hard to stay in touch with our teens. But they need the support of adults in their life. Despite their need for independence, there are plenty of times when they want and need to be with us too. Learn how to communicate effectively with teens and avoid communication blocks.
Topics
Effective Communication
Before communicating with a child, adults should consider:
- WHY they want to communicate?
- WHO they wish to communicate with?
- WHERE and WHEN the message could best be delivered?
- WHAT is it that they want to communicate?
- HOW they are going to communicate the information?
Effective communication contains six elements:
| Clear | Ensure that the information is presented clearly. |
| Concise | Be concise, don’t lose the message by being long-winded. |
| Correct | Be accurate, avoid giving misleading information. |
| Complete | Give all the information and not just part of it. |
| Courteous | Be polite and non-threatening, avoid conflict. |
| Constructive | Be positive, avoid being critical and negative. |
Challenges to Communication
Difficulties in communicating with a child may be due a number of issues including the following:
- The child’s perception of something is different to yours.
- The child may jump to a conclusion instead of working through the process of hearing, understanding and accepting.
- The child may lack the knowledge needed to understand what you are trying to communicate.
- The child may lack the motivation to listen to you or to convert the information given into action.
- The adult may have difficulty in expressing what she or he wishes to say to the child.
- Emotions may interfere in the communication process.
- There may be a clash of personality between you and the child. These blocks to communication work both ways and adults need to consider the process of communication carefully.
