Unilateral Disarmament - The First Step to Improving Communications with Your Teenager

by: Nandang S Nugraha | Total views: 97 | Word Count: 594 | View PDF | Print View

 by: V. Michael Santoro, M. Ed.

Many times, we are so conditioned in how we speak that we
do not realize whether or not we are effectively communicating with our
teens. This is especially true when they upset us.

To ensure that you are fostering an environment that
will encourage your teenager to talk to you, as opposed to fearing you,
the first step is to evaluate your communication style. How you express
yourself and what you say to your teens, especially when you are angry,
can inhibit your relationship with them. Reacting by shouting short
sarcastic phrases will usually turn off most people, including our
teenagers.

The following are twelve examples of statements and questions that you should avoid saying:

1. When I was your age
   

2. What part of the word "NO" don't you understand
   

3. Because I said so
   

4. Who pays the mortgage around here?
   

5. You're NOT going out dressed like that
   

6. What do you see in him, you can do better
   

7. You kids have it so easy today
   

8. I didn't say that
   

9. You live under my roof, you live by my rules
   

10. Are you PMSing?
    

11. When are you going to grow up?
    

12. This conversation is over
    

Activity:

Think through the things that you say that are similar to
the above, and create a list. Then, meet with your teen and ask her for
her input. Explain that you are doing this because you love her and
want her to trust you and to not fear coming to you to discuss things
that are important to her. Go over the list and then ask your teen to
add any statements that you may have missed. For example, you can say,
"Tell me the things that I say to you that you feel are hurtful; or
prevent you from wanting to talk to me about important issues." Add
them to the list and make a mental note of them. Then, ask your teen to
tell you when you react to her behavior and use any of those phrases.
Stress that improved communications is a "two way street" and you are
going to do your part to make things better. Then add that you also
expect her to do her part, as it will take both your efforts to improve
communications.

What to do

Remember to have a "thick skin" and thank her for her
feedback when she provides it - even if you are angry. The best way to
change this reactionary behavior is to try and think before you react,
and talk more constructively to your teenager. Think of how you would
have to react at work if a subordinate or coworker did something to
upset you. As angry as you might be, you would strive to act
professional because your job depended on it. If you do react and your
daughter brings it to your attention, thank her and then discuss the
issue more constructively because your relationship depends on it.

You also need to set guidelines with your teen, instead
of making rigid rules that will alienate her and create a vicious cycle
of poor communicating and hard feelings.

Unilateral disarmament is the first step in
demonstrating to your teen that you are serious about improving
communications with her. When you lead by example, you are establishing
the foundation and setting your expectations. This works better that a
"do as I say, not as I do!" reactionary approach which causes your teen
to be more rebellious.

Copyright 2004 by V. Michael Santoro and Jennifer S. Santoro, All Rights Reserved.

About the Author

This article is an excerpt from the book "Realizing the Power of Love," How a father and teenage daughter became best friends...and you can too, by V. Michael Santoro and Jennifer S. Santoro. For more information visit http://www.dads-daughters.com

vsantoro@dads-daughters.com

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