Original URL: http://life.familyeducation.com/communication/parenting/29592.html

Tips on Staying Connected with Your Teen

Communication and understanding are crucial to every facet a of parent-child relationship. Discipline is no different. Here are some helpful hints on how to cultivate respect from your kids:

• Keep communicating with your teens, even if they don't seem to be listening. Talk about topics that interest them.

• Respect and ask their opinions.

• Give them privacy. That doesn't mean you can't knock on their door when you want to talk.

• Set limits on their behavior based on your values and principles. They will grudgingly respect you for this.

• Continually tell them and show them you believe in who they are rather than what they accomplish.

• Seek professional help if your teen's abnormal behaviors last more than three weeks.