Teen Relations - By Klaus Klein http://ezezine.com
Teen Relations Newsletter : by Klaus Klein MA, RCC
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In this Newsletter Issue:
1. Feature Article :"How to Build A Stronger
Relationship With Your Teen"
2. Free Talk/Workshop March 24
3. Counselling Services
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1) Feature Article: How to Build A Stronger
Relationship With Your Teen
All parents want to have a good connection with their children.
However, circumstances in life happen for both you and your
children that prevent the kind of connection that you might
hope for.
Like many parents, you may be stressed, overworked, and
overtired, and you may not be aware of how much it is affecting
you or your relationship with your teenager. Where you are at
with yourself in terms of your own emotions, thoughts, and
hopes is a crucial starting point in preparing to strengthen
your connection with your teen, and it often gets neglected.
As parent you may forget or discount yourself and focus all
your energy on your son or daughter trying to get them to change.
However, change can start with you and how you want to be as a
parent. Once you're clear on how you want to be as the adult, you
can make a conscious effort to strengthen your connection with
your teenager.
Below are some ways to help you take time out from your hectic
life to build a stronger relationship with your teen.
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Take care of yourself first, and see where you are with your
own energy. If you find yourself exhausted you'll need to take
care of yourself by getting the support you need to make the
changes with yourself that you desire. Perhaps you need to do
something relaxing or fun to rejuvenate and re-energize.
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Find something to talk about that is either neutral -- or
better yet --enjoyable to both you and your teen. School work
and house chores are usually not very good opening topics.
TV programs, clothing stores, music, sports in general, going
fishing, musical instruments, movies, food, etc., are some
ideas that might work. But you'll need to be creative and do
some exploring to make it specific for your teen's interests.
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Find something to do together for one-on-one time. Playing
golf, going to a movie, going out for dinner or lunch, going to a
hockey game, camping, skiing, etc. Do whatever is enjoyable to you
both.
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If you're really struggling with your teen, try meeting your
son or daughter for lunch during school time and arrange that they
have an extended lunch hour because they are with you. I'm not
promoting skipping school, but occasionally an extended lunch hour
spending time on parent-teen relationship building may be acceptable.
Remember, however, that it should be one-on-one time with your son or
daughter, not a group lunch for a bunch of teens who want to get out
of school.
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Go for a drive in a car just the two of you. Maybe even let
your teen drive a bit if they have a learner's license.
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Ask your teen to teach you a video or board game and play it
with him or her. I've worked with teens whose fondest and best
memory is of being with their parents when they played silly
board games together.
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Be creative and keep trying. You do have the resources within
you to improve and strengthen the relationship with your teenage
son or daughter. It may not happen over night, but over time things
can change.
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If, after trying the above, you may want to seek the help of a
therapist for you and your teen. A professional therapist can help
guide you and your teen towards building a closer relationship with
each other.
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When you start with how you want to be as a person first, you will
likely find the rest will fall into place to help you strengthen your
relationship with your teenage son or daughter. Most techniques
only work if they come from a positive and energetic place from
within you. This may take some effort and change on your part,
but it will certainly get things moving between you and your teen.
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2) Free Talk/Workshop
"Building a Stronger Relationship With your Teen"
Tuesday - March 24, 2009
7-8:30pm
Would you like to have a closer relationship with you teen
son or daughter? Discover ways to connect with your teen
that actually brings you and your teen closer. Look at how
to strengthen your relationship and make it more positive
and rewarding.
Location: 2nd floor 1892 West Broadway corner of Cyprus and Broadway
e-mail for registration: freetalk@kdkcounselling.com
Website: http://www.kdkcounselling.com/free_talk.htm
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3) Counselling Services
I provide counselling for teens, parents, and family.
Call for a free 10-minute consultation 604-786-0709
Website: http://www.kdkcounselling.com/index.htm
Burnaby Office location: 2nd Floor 5050 Kingsway Burnaby -- near
Metrotown Station
Vancouver Office Location: 2nd Floor 1892 West Broadway -- near Cyprus
and Broadway
Hours: 4-7 pm Mon, Tues, and Wed
Klaus Klein is a Register Clinical Counsellor in BC