Are We Listening?

This post contains affiliate links, which means we make a small commission on sales generated through such links. Read our Terms of Use for more information.

Are we paying attention to what our youth is telling us? Their behaviors speak in volumes. Our own reactions can get in the way and cloud our judgment. Important dialogue is occurring through their behaviors and it's our job as adults to decode that and support them. Try consulting with someone for support like a colleague or counselor before your respond. Help the teen understand what they are experiencing by labeling the emotion. Then just sit with them so they can process, don't keep teaching. If things feel unsafe in any way, then that is the top priority to protect yourself, the teen, and the public. Do your best to listen, observe, and understand what your teen is telling you.