Silence

My teen doesn’t talk to me. This is a common refrain from parents frustrated with their teenager’s new talent of dodging even the most basic of questions.

So what can a parent do to help their monosyllabic teen find a complete sentence?

Remember adolescence has brought a new found self awareness to your teen and a desire to do their own thing. Both are developmentally appropriate.
Give your teen space and let them come to you when they want to talk. By respecting their boundaries, you are giving them some of the control they so desperately desire.

Recognize teendom, and all that comes with it, is new territory for them as well and they need you to be patient as they learn to navigate it. The push to not include you is not reflective of anything you have done, but all about their pull to do it on their own.
Make home, and conversations with you, easy and drama free. They need a safe space to land after all the dizzying head games played in their social circles by friends. As they recognize the consistency of the peacefulness and support you are providing, the conversations will start to open up.

It is understandably frustrating to be the recipient of the silent treatment from your own child, but be assured this quieter individual still has a special place for you in their life. And with some space and understanding, they will find the words to say it.

By: Laurie Noteboom