How To "Get Along" With Your Teen
Ever heard a dad say, "My teenager looks funny, likes horrible music and acts goofy half the time. Yet he treats me as though I'm the one who's out of touch with reality! What do I do with this strange creature?"
That's not an easy question, but there is an answer. Research shows that an open/friendly parent-teen relationship is a major factor in protecting kids from harm. So the first answer to this dad's semi-rhetorical question is this: Stay in touch with your kid! Maintaining a good relationship with your mysterious and unpredictable teen should be your top priority.
Just how do you do that? The most powerful relationship builder is shared fun. Find any two people who regularly have fun together and you will find a good relationship. You may feel, however, that finding a common activity both you and your teen can enjoy can be harder than finding one for you and your spouse. But doing something together that you both enjoy is-to a relationship-like water and fertilizer to a plant. For those who can't imagine what to do with an adolescent son or daughter, at the end of this article we'll describe the activity that is usually the simplest and best bet.
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About the Author
Dr. Thomas W. Phelan, a registered Ph.D. Clinical Psychologist, has worked with children, adults, and families for over twenty-five years, and has raised two teenagers. A nationally renowned expert and lecturer on child discipline, Dr. Phelan is also the author of numerous books and videos including 1-2-3 Magic, All About Attention Deficit Disorder, Self-Esteem Revolutions in Children, and most recently Surviving Your Adolescents. Check out his website.
Other Articles by Thomas W. Phelan, Ph.D.:
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