Proven Ways to Strengthen the Connection with Your Teen

How to Stay Connected to Your Teen

Adolescence is an adventure for teens and the adults who love them – a wonderful, messy, confusing, beautiful, crazy adventure. Hormones are commonly blamed for the vast ups and downs of adolescence, but though there are hormonal changes, the changes in teens are primarily because of changes in the brain. Understanding these changes will help make the path through adolescence easier for everyone.

Adolescence is a time a discovery. Teens will discover fears, self-doubt and heartache they’ve never known before. They will discover creativity, strength and courage they never knew they had. They will find a depth of emotion they never thought possible and they will find within themselves the richness of their capacity to connect, a mind that is beautiful, bold, independent and curious and the power of their own presence and voice. They will explore and challenge their view of the world and their place in it.

All of this is normal – so normal that pushing against it will be the surest way to unravel your connection with your teen. It will lead to secrecy, arguing, disrespect and feelings of isolation. You’ll be just another one who ‘doesn’t get it’ and that’s the last thing they need. What they need more than anything is the connection with you, even if they don’t let you know it. They need your wisdom, your guidance and your loving, open presence when the world disappoints them, which at times, it will. Here are some ways to strengthen that connection:

  1. Understand what’s driving them.

    Their behaviour, as baffling and as messy as it might be sometimes, is being driven by the changes in their brain, not by their desire to be difficult. They are being rolled around by impulse and instinct and they don’t want to be disconnected from you, even though that’s sometimes where things end up. From ages 12-24, the brain is developing faster than ever before. There are for main changes that are driven by the way their brain grows through adolescence:

    •  greater emotional intensity (they might swing between being moody, reactive or impulsive and being warm, loving, emotionally generous and wonderful to be with);

    •   the need for connection and relationship (they’ll be driven to form new and deeper connections with others – friendships will become a priority), 

    •   the need for a novel ‘high’ (they will be more driven to seek out new experiences and they will find creative, courageous ways of experiencing life. The negative though is that they might open themselves up to dangerous situations and risky behaviour).

    •   the need for creative exploration (they’ll have a greater capacity for creative thinking and abstract reasoning, they  might be funnier and more creative and more challenging of the status quo, they will experiment with new ways of seeing and being in the world).

    All of these behaviours are completely normal and it’s important to remember this, because it can be daunting when you’re standing by and watching them unfold. They’ll do things that are unfamiliar to you and unexpected. If you can remember what’s driving your teen, it will be easier to give them the space to do what they need to do while being available for them when they need you – it can make all the difference to them and to you.

  2. Understand that separating from you is a need, not a want.

    One of the most important developmental goals for adolescents is to separate from their parents and to establish their own identity. This isn’t easy for anyone, but it’s so important. Sometimes, for parents who have always felt close to their children, it will be difficult not to take the separation personally. In fact, the closer they have been to you, the more they might have to push against you to find the edges of themselves. This is normal, and completely okay. Keep being a steady, strong, loving presence and wait for them to find their way back to you, which they will.

  3. Ask what, not why.

    Everything we do is to meet a need and teens are no different. The need they are meeting is always a valid one, even if they have chosen a spectacularly messy way to meet it. If you can understand the need they’re meeting, even their most baffling behaviour will start to make sense. The need won’t always be easy to identify, by you’ll have more chance of uncovering it if you start by asking ‘what’ rather than ‘why’. ‘Why’ will probably give you an ‘I don’t know’ – because they probably don’t even know themselves. Instead, ask (or look for):  What happens to them or for them when they do what they do? What stops or goes away when they do what they do? What do they need? What can you do to help them?

  4. Respect their privacy.

    Resist the temptation to check their social media or do anything else that they might see as an invasion of their privacy. One of the biggest things they want from you is trust and freedom. Let them know that they can have both, but in return they have to show you that they can be trusted with that freedom. They’ll know that your trust is a big thing for them to lose, so that in itself will work to keep them on track. They’ll be experimenting with self-disclosure, but perhaps not with you. Respect that part of their job is to separate from you and find their own identity so don’t chase them to talk if they don’t want to. Be available, and open and ready for them when and if they need you – it will be on their terms, and that’s okay.

  5. Support their friendships.

    Support their friendships. If you don’t like who they’re spending time with, gently guide them and offer your advice when they ask for it but be careful giving too much of it when it’s not asked for. Friendships are a priority remember, so the more you push against their friends, the harder they’ll push against you in protection of them.

  6. Give them space to experiment.

    The more space and support you can give them to experiment safely, the less need they’ll have to put themselves at risk. Of course, they may still be driven towards risky behaviour anyway, in which case there won’t be much you can do except talk to them about it. Do your best to support them in finding a safer outlet, but understand that if you suggest croquet, you’re probably going to lose them. The changes in the reward circuitry of the brain that happens during adolescence will mean they’ll be hungry for the high that risk and new things can bring, but novelty doesn’t always have to be risky. There are plenty of things they might try to experience the world in a new way or themselves in a new way. This might come through sport, groups, clubs, hobbies, or reaching new heights in something they’ve been doing for a while. Whatever it is, understand their need to try new things and experiment with themselves and world, and give them the space to do that. The best way to do that is to hold back from  judging, criticising or trying to change them.

  7. What they don’t get from you …

    What they don’t get from you, they’ll look to find somewhere else. Of course, there will always be some things you just can’t give them that they will seek somewhere else anyway. Know that you won’t be able to give them everything they need – and that’s okay. The main things they’ll be looking for are approval and validation and confirmation that they’re doing okay. Give them plenty of everything. Even if they act like it doesn’t mean anything to them – it does. Praise them, validate them (‘I get why that’s important to you’), and give them truckloads of approval (even if you don’t approve of their behaviour, always let them know you approve of them.

  8. Let them feel what they’re feeling.

    Give them the space to feel what their feeling, even if it’s intense. If it’s disrespectful, challenging or angry hold firm and let it wash over you. Don’t even try to reason with them when their in the thick of high emotion. You won’t be heard and it will likely just disconnect you. Walk away until it has passed and then discuss it with them. Their brain is changing – they’re being steered by impulse and instinct and they’re being barrelled by deep, intense emotions. It can be so difficult to walk away when they’re yelling or arguing with you as though it’s for their survival (trust me, I know!), but understand what’s happening inside the and know that they’re trying to deal with it as best they can. This doesn’t mean you don’t have boundaries with them – absolutely you need boundaries, around what they do and the way they treat you – just remember to pick your battles and your timing, and know that you’ll always have more influence if you have a connection with them first. There’s a lot during adolescence you can’t control but one thing you can control is what you’re able to do to maintain a connection with them.

  9. Listen to them.

    Listen to them and validate their opinion if they push against the status quo. A big part of adolescence is questioning what they believe about themselves, their world and their position in it. It’s a healthy and important part of their creative exploration, and what they need to do to work out who they are and where they fit in. Let them challenge your views and the way you’ve always done things – it’s part of establishing themselves as separate to you. Even if you don’t agree with them, validate them by letting them know that you understand.

  10. Make it okay for them to get it wrong.

    They’ll be having to make adult decisions with long before they have their adult mind. They will make mistakes and so will you – it’s an unavoidable part of growth. The pre-frontal cortex is the part of the brain that helps them make decisions and solve problems – and the kicker is that it’s the last to mature. Until that happens, a more instinctive part of the brain – the amygdala – will have a heavy hand in their impulse control and decision-making. The amygdala is primitive, instinctive, reactive and geared towards quick action without taking the time for a lot of thought. This is why when it comes to teen behaviour, a lot of it won’t make any sense at all – they will be acting more from instinct than anything – as will their friends, and as you were at their age. Keep this in mind when they do those things that baffle you. At times they will baffle them too.

  11. Enjoy them.

    Teens can be the funniest humans on the planet. Embracing and sharing their sense of humour is a wonderful way to connect. Ask them to show you something funny from YouTube or social media – they’ll have plenty. If they’re reluctant to show you, wait until they do something that lands them in a bit of trouble with you – you probably won’t need to wait long – and let them know that the consequence is that they have to find you something to laugh at to bring things back to good.

  12. Involve them in problem solving.

    They’re starting to explore new ways of looking at things and thinking about things. They’ll be creative, brave and will show you unexpected paths. You will be surprised at what they can teach you.

  13. Take the shame away.

    Adolescence is a time when shame seems to tag along like it has nowhere else to be. There are plenty of places it can come from:

    •  social (‘People don’t really like me.’ ‘I’m not as popular as other people.’);

    •  self-image (‘I hate my body/eyes/hair/the way I breathe.’ ‘I’m not good at anything.’);

    •  self-identity (‘I’m the only one who doesn’t have it figured out.’ ‘I don’t know where I fit in.’);

    •  school (‘I’m not smart enough.’ ‘I don’t understand the work.’)
;

    •  family (‘I’m not like them.’ ‘I disappoint them.’)

    The more you can build them up, point out the great things about them and let them know they’re doing absolutely fine, the more protected they’ll be from the shame that could hurt them.

    They  might not always let you know, but what you think of them really matters plays a huge role in buffering them from the shame that could potentially break them.

  14. And whatever you do – don’t take away their social media.

    When it comes to teens and social media, have limits if you want to, put boundaries around it if you need to, but don’t take it away completely. It’s their lifeline to the world – don’t cut off their oxygen supply.

The changes in behaviour and personality during adolescence are normal, healthy and important. By understanding the need they’re meeting or the reasons they’re doing what they’re doing, it’s easier to support them in finding a better way to meet the need. Otherwise, it will make it easier for you to allow yourself an almighty deep breath while you give them the time and space to do what they need to do by themselves.

Adolescence is a time of discovery, growth and learning – for both of you. The more we can support them through the changes as they unfold, without judgement, criticism or any attempts to push against them, the more they will be open to our direction, guidance and influence. 

13 Comments

V

I’d love to hear your thoughts on helping teens who are deeply depressed, have been hospitalized, and are self-harming. It appears that social media feeds into these behaviors and I’m not sure that your approach would be helpful. Can you explain? Thanks.

Reply
Karen Young

Here are a couple of articles that might be helpful for you
– Teens and Depression – Why Teens Are More Vulnerable, and the Risk Factors Parents Need to Know About https://www.heysigmund.com/teens-and-depression-risk/
– Teens and Depression – The Warning Signs and How to Help Them Through https://www.heysigmund.com/depression-teens-warning-signs-help/
– Why do People Self-Harm? When Feeling Bad Means Feeling Better https://www.heysigmund.com/why-do-people-self-harm/

Reply
Anne

My biological sons are 30 & 31 years-old. My step-granddaughter is 15, so in retrospect and realtime, I’d like to say this is the closest thing to a parent manual I’ve ever seen. Thank you 🙂

Reply
Terri L

I struggle with the difference between approving of them as people but disapproving of their behavior. I am a single mom of two teenage girls, and I have a demanding job and, frankly, a house and yard that are too much for me. The summers are hard because I am working all day and they are at home. I expect them to take care of the house and yard and help with meal preparation. But they waste so much time! It drives me crazy, and I don’t approve. I end up disappointed and nagging, which sets the tone for the evening. They are really wonderful kids, but we seem to be at an impasse between my expectations and their unwillingness to meet them. Suggestions?

Reply
Hey Sigmund

I really get it – this can be difficult. When it comes to approving of them but disapproving of their behaviour, tell them something good about them and then focus on the specific behaviour that’s disappointing you. Remember that even though they don’t show it, they want to be your hero too. Try something like, ‘You’re great and I love having you at home during the day. It would make such a difference to me if you could have your room tidy by the time I get home. Would you do that for me please?’ Then, attach it to something they want – the wi-fi password, tv at night – and let them know that if it’s not done, that’s what will be taken away until it is. Explain that in the same way you have to go to work to earn the money so they can have the things they have, they also have to earn the things they want. But try not to get cross while you’re talking to them about it. Explain it like a business deal – they have something you want (the chores done) and you have something they want (wi-fi/tv/whatever). Also make sure they know exactly what needs to be done. For a teenager, if you say ‘clean the house’, it can trip them up because they don’t know where to start and you’re idea of clean and their idea of clean might be completely different. Be as specific as you can – take the washing off the line, fold it and put away in right drawers – or – put the cushions back on the lounge chair so they’re straight, take your things out of the lounge room and put them in your room where they belong, take any dishes into the kitchen and put them straight into the dishwasher and then vacuum the floor. You might need to write it down – but a list like this will be easier to follow then a general instruction. Finally, remember that you’re not alone on this one – getting teenagers to pull their weight is something that many, if not most parents of teenagers struggle with.

Reply
Terri

What if they’re getting into trouble and hanging out with kids doing drugs and making other bad choices. I’ve heard a total blackout is necessary sometimes.

Reply
Hey Sigmund

This is a really difficult situation. You can set your limits, but really, by the time they’re adolescents, your control is limited. You can still make your expectations clear though – it’s better than having no expectations at all or letting your child believe that they aren’t accountable to anyone, and it gives your child something for them to use as a marker when they’re deciding how to act The best we can do is guide them, set appropriate limits, and let them know what you consider to be right or wrong. If you can do this in a loving way and without language that will trigger their sensitivity to control (so try to avoid saying things like, ‘You have to …’ or ‘You must.’) you’ll have more chance of getting what you need. I’m not sure which country you’re from but if you’re from the US, here are some hotlines that will be able to advise you http://www.drugabuse.gov and http://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline .

Reply
Mike

Thanks for this, after years of having my eldest as my little buddy, when she hit 11, the distancing started and its been hard. Now nearly 14, she hasn’t said love you dad for about 10 months. My being a hugger and trying to hold back has not been easy either. At least I now know this is kinda normal and I might see a human at the end of this. So thanks. Mike

Reply
Hey Sigmund

This is so normal, but knowing it’s normal doesn’t change that it’s still tough when they distance themselves, especially if you’ve been close. I really get it! Know that you’re still her hero, even if she doesn’t show it for a while. You’ve invested in her for 14 years and however far away she seems to move from you, she won’t forget that. It might take a little while, and that’s okay. It will take as long as it takes for her to do what she needs to do – but keep loving her, being open and available to her and she will find her way back to when she’s ready. You sound like a great dad and your daughter will know that.

Reply
Susan E

For Hey Sigmund…I was uncomfortable at that age hugging my dad as well. It’s an akward stage of body changes, but may I suggest just asking her for a hug now and then? It may be uncomfortable for you as well at first, but more likely than not, she could still use a hug from dad, whether she wants to admit it or not.

Reply
Anita Cleare

Really simple sound advice! Removing social media from teenagers is social death to them. If that was done to me (for a minor misdemeanour from a kid who’s still learning….) I’d have no motivation ever to be nice or good again!

Reply
Hey Sigmund

Absolutely! There are so many good things about social media for teens – it’s a way for them to vent, get support, get approval, feel connected, feel a part of something bigger. ‘Social death’ is such a great way to describe what it would be like to them not to have it.

Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Join our newsletter

We would love you to follow us on Social Media to stay up to date with the latest Hey Sigmund news and upcoming events.

Follow Hey Sigmund on Instagram

The more we treat anxiety as a problem, or as something to be avoided, the more we inadvertently turn them away from the safe, growthful, brave things that drive it. 

On the other hand, when we make space for anxiety, let it in, welcome it, be with it, the more we make way for them to recognise that anxiety isn’t something they need to avoid. They can feel anxious and do brave. 

As long as they are safe, let them know this. Let them see you believing them that this feels big, and believing in them, that they can handle the big. 

‘Yes this feels scary. Of course it does - you’re doing something important/ new/ hard. I know you can do this. How can I help you feel brave?’♥️
I’ve loved working with @sccrcentre over the last 10 years. They do profoundly important work with families - keeping connections, reducing clinflict, building relationships - and they do it so incredibly well. @sccrcentre thank you for everything you do, and for letting me be a part of it. I love what you do and what you stand for. Your work over the last decade has been life-changing for so many. I know the next decade will be even more so.♥️

In their words …
Posted @withregram • @sccrcentre Over the next fortnight, as we prepare to mark our 10th anniversary (28 March), we want to re-share the great partners we’ve worked with over the past decade. We start today with Karen Young of Hey Sigmund.

Back in 2021, when we were still struggling with covid and lockdowns, Karen spoke as part of our online conference on ‘Strengthening the relationship between you & your teen’. It was a great talk and I’m delighted that you can still listen to it via the link in the bio.

Karen also blogged about our work for the Hey Sigmund website in 2018. ‘How to Strengthen Your Relationship With Your Children and Teens by Understanding Their Unique Brain Chemistry (by SCCR)’, which is still available to read - see link in bio.

#conflictresolution #conflict #families #family #mediation #earlyintervention #decade #anniversary #digital #scotland #scottish #cyrenians #psychology #relationships #children #teens #brain #brainchemistry #neuroscience
I often go into schools to talk to kids and teens about anxiety and big feelings. 

I always ask, ‘Who’s tried breathing through big feels and thinks it’s a load of rubbish?’ Most of them put their hand up. I put my hand up too, ‘Me too,’ I tell them, ‘I used to think the same as you. But now I know why it didn’t work, and what I needed to do to give me this powerful tool (and it’s so powerful!) that can calm anxiety, anger - all big feelings.’

The thing is though, all powertools need a little instruction and practice to use them well. Breathing is no different. Even though we’ve been breathing since we were born, we haven’t been strong breathing through big feelings. 

When the ‘feeling brain’ is upset, it drives short shallow breathing. This is instinctive. In the same ways we have to teach our bodies how to walk, ride a bike, talk, we also have to teach our brains how to breathe during big feelings. We do this by practising slow, strong breathing when we’re calm. 

We also have to make the ‘why’ clear. I talk about the ‘why’ for strong breathing in Hey Warrior, Dear You Love From Your Brain, and Ups and Downs. Our kids are hungry for the science, and they deserve the information that will make this all make sense. Breathing is like a lullaby for the amygdala - but only when it’s practised lots during calm.♥️
When it’s time to do brave, we can’t always be beside them, and we don’t need to be. What we can do is see them and help them feel us holding on, even in absence, while we also believe in their brave.♥️
Honestly isn’t this the way it is for all of us though?♥️

#childanxiety #parenting #separationanxiety

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This