SMART Conversations® at Home

Do you need to be right?

When was the last time you and your teenager had a great conversation, where you listened to them and they listened to you? If you're not having these kinds of conversations, then you might experiment with trying a new approach.

When you need to be right ("I told you that would happen," "You should have listened to me," or "I know what's best for you"), you'll close down the channels of communication. You'll also create distance between yourself and your son or daughter.

To enhance and strengthen your relationship, it's important to balance the amount of time you spend asking questions, speaking, and listening. Ideally, you should ask questions to check your assumptions and listen twice as much as you speak.

This approach will foster open communication and forge a stronger, more honest relationship between you and your teenager.