"The first step in relationship building is to acknowledge that something you did was wrong..... You must be willing to apologize for what you've done. Not a blanket apology, 'I'm sorry I've not been the parent you deserve,' but a specific apology and what you intend to do to change your behavior to make things better."Be willing to apologize and make amends where needed - and be prepared to take not just the first step, but the first several steps. It will take time for your teenager to believe and trust that you're sincere about wanting a better relationship. Source: Gant Daily
Read Five Steps to Rebuilding Trust Between Parents and Teens for more ways to strengthen your relationship with your teenager.
Labels: communication, relationships, trust
Posted By: Aspen Education Group
I teach parents how to ask questions that are open-ended and non-judgmental to encourage a more open and honest dialog. The best way to do this is to ask questions that begin with "who, what, when, where and how."
If we ask questions that begin with "Do you" or "Have you"...the will very likely shut down.
Letting your student talk through their situation without interrupting will foster greater accountability and ownership of the action steps needed.
Lisa Jander
"Mama j"