Active listening is a powerful tool that can help parents build trust and
connection with their anxious teens. By developing this skill, parents can create a safe
emotional space for their teens to open up and share their thoughts and feelings. By actively listening to your teenager, you can not only strengthen your parent-teen bond but also help your teen to feel respected, valued, and understood, building their self-esteem.
“Active listening helps us see beyond what is being presented on the surface, things we could otherwise miss.”
For a more in-depth discussion or if you prefer to listen to content, then tune in to the podcast ep! 👇
And make sure to subscribe to the podcast here so you don't miss an episode 🎧
Why is Active Listening so Important?
As parents of anxious teens, we often find ourselves in a stalemate, unable to break through
the barriers and help our teens navigate their anxiety. We may feel frustrated and helpless,
wondering why our efforts to communicate and support them seem to fall flat.
The truth is, the root of the problem lies in the lack of emotional safety and trust our teens feel. They know that our primary motive is to encourage them to do something they do not want to do, which triggers their stress response and sends them into a survival response.
Understanding the Teen’s Perspective
When our teens go into survival mode, their instincts take charge, leading to behaviors
such as withdrawal, anger, silence, or even physical symptoms like feeling sick. These
instincts are natural and necessary for survival, but they also indicate that our teens do not
feel emotionally safe. To help them, we need to create an environment where they feel
heard, understood, and valued.
The Power of Active Listening
Active listening is a fundamental strategy that can help parents build trust and connection
with their anxious teens. It involves listening to understand, rather than
to reply, fix, or impose our own agenda.
When we actively listen, we create a safe emotional space for our teens to express themselves without fear of judgment or criticism.
How Do I Know if it's Anxiety.....and WHAT THE HECK DO I DO?!
How to Actively Listen to Your Teenager
Eliminate distractions and give them your full attention.
Make physical gestures or indicators to show that you are fully engaged, such as nodding or making small noises to acknowledge their words.
Try not to interrupt and refrain from any judgment or assumptions.
Pay attention to their body language, tone of voice, and any hesitations, as these
Clarify & gently question if there is anything you do not understand.
The Benefits of Active Listening
Active listening has numerous benefits for both parents and teens.
Firstly, it strengthens the parent-teen bond, as it shows our teens that we value their thoughts and feelings.
It also encourages them to practice active listening themselves, creating a positive cycle of communication and understanding.
Active listening helps our teens feel respected, worthy, and appreciated, which boosts their self-esteem and overall well-being.
Additionally, active listening allows us to gain a deeper understanding of our teens’ experiences and emotions, enabling us to provide more effective support and guidance.
The Challenges of Active Listening
Practicing active listening can be challenging, especially when our teens push our buttons
or express their emotions in a way that triggers our own emotional reactions. In these
moments, it is crucial to remain calm and focused on understanding rather than defending
ourselves.
It takes practice and patience to master active listening, but the rewards are well
worth the effort.
Moving Towards Real Communication and Connection
By actively listening to our anxious teens, we create a foundation for real communication
and connection. In the next article, we will explore how to move beyond grunts and shrugs
to facilitate meaningful conversations and encourage our teens to open up. By combining
active listening with effective communication techniques, we can help our teens feel heard,
understood, and supported on their journey to managing their anxiety.
In conclusion, active listening is a powerful tool that can help parents build trust and
connection with their anxious teens. By creating a safe emotional space and listening with
the intention to understand, we can strengthen the parent-teen bond, boost our teens’ self-
esteem, and gain a deeper understanding of their experiences.
Active listening takes practice and patience, but it is a crucial step towards effective communication and support for our anxious teens.
What next?
Join the growing community of parents who are turning the tide on their teen's anxiety! Sign up to the mailing list to become a One in a Million Mum and receive practical strategies & ongoing support. Together we can do this!
**Disclaimer: This article is for informational & educational purposes and is not intended to replace medical advice. The use of this information is at the reader's discretion and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a physician, psychotherapist or other qualified professional, diagnosis or treatment
Follow me on socials here 👇