“Humans Are Wired To Connect So When We Feel Disconnected, We Turn To Food, Technology And Substances” -Ali Mattu PHD.

Parents, it’s obvious that staying connected with your kids is important. Having a healthy relationship, a strong line of communication, we’ve discussed it all! ⁣
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But HOW to stay connected is the tricky part. So, here are some simple, but effective, ways to stay connected with your teen!👇⁣
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⇾ 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭. For example, put down your phone or shut your computer screen. Even for just a few seconds, give your child your full attention.⁣
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⇾ 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭. Encourage your child to expand on what they’re saying, and explore their views, opinions, feelings, expectations or plans.⁣
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⇾ 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫. You need to find a time that suits you both. Initially, it can help to keep the time short. But physically showing that you prioritize your child, will mean a lot to them. ⁣
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⇾ 𝐋𝐞𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐨, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝. This will motivate your child to want to spend time with you. It’s also fun to try activities where your child is the expert – teaching you a new skill can boost your child’s confidence.⁣
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⇾ 𝐁𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐨𝐫 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞. It’s not easy to give up the teaching and coaching role, but this is a time for building and improving your relationship. ⁣
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Sometimes it can be daunting to try and connect with your teen, especially if they seem closed off or disinterested, but showing you care and being there for them DOES make a difference! Got any other helpful tips? Drop ‘em below! ⬇️