Dear parents and friends, it is a pleasure to have you listening to our psychologist, Ms. Lee Li Li’s public sharing on the topic “Are you truly communicating with your teens?”, on 16th July 2019, Tuesday, 10:00am, on Ai FM 89.3/106.7 Ai Ceria session.

Are you truly communicating with your teens? Why is the reality of communicating with my teens different from my expectations? Despite of careful planning on the conversation and the techniques to communicate with my teens, why do my teens still felt that I am not able to communicate with them, so much so that they felt that I am faking it? What have I done wrong?

As a matter of fact, there are some basic principles that parents have overlooked. In a conversation, only 7% of the content are being communicated, whereas 55% and 38% of the communication are based on body language and intonation respectively. In communicating, as teens placed high importance towards their privacy, independence, and identity, parents ought to understand their teens’ perspective, needs and emotions. For instance, a simple “What would you want to eat? Mommy will cook for you.” will give the perception that the teen is being treated as a young child, teen hopes to be treated that they are capable to cook, in which the teen may have thoughts of rebelling the offer,“Can’t I try cooking myself? Even if it taste bad, with practice I still can improve.”

Besides that, teens look highly upon parents’ feedback. For example, when your teen has prepared a meal, but was not appetizing, whether it is exaggerated praises or comparative comments, the feedbacks given will affect their self-esteem, self-confidence, and the desire to communicate actively as they do not feel the security in the communication.

Communication breakdown worries both parents and child. Rather than just speaking as an authoritative figure only, parents may take on the role of a teacher or a friend to suits your child’s need. The actions and behaviours of parents are being observed constantly by children. Hence, communication is not limited to verbal conversations only, but the examples and behaviours set by parents plays a huge role in communicating with your child. If parents wish the child to wake up on time, parents themselves also must lead by example and be consistent of their actions. As a parent, do show good example when you are with your parents.

Please click this link to find out more, and to watch the full sharing on communicating truly with your teens: Youtube

Note: The above content is adopted from Ai FM 89.3/106.7 (Ai Ceria) programme - “Are you Truly Communicating with Your Teens?” on 16th July 2019.

For more information, please kindly contact our office. It is our pleasure to assist you. Thank you.

Source Radio AIFM 106.7 - 16.07.2019