One thing that can certainly be difficult
for parents is discussing serious issues with their children. This includes
things like drugs, sex, bullying and more. If you approach these issues in the
wrong way, you can alienate your kids or reinforce negative behavior. To help,
below are five ways to start such a conversation with your children, that will
promote open communication.
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1. Ask Your Children What They Think
One mistake parents make is not taking the
views of their children into consideration. You shouldn’t make them feel
belittled. Instead, approach them with respect. Before you give your children
advice on a touchy subject, ask them what they think about it first.
They might have a solid understand of the
topic already and have their own views and opinions formed. It is important to
let them know they have a voice and you value their thoughts.
2. Be Opportunistic
You shouldn’t let convenient timing to
broach a serious subject with your children pass by without taking advantage of
it. For example, if you are watching a newscast about a cyber bullying, you may
want to ask your children if they have ever experienced it.
3. Discuss the Dangers
Sometimes children take risks without knowing
the consequences. For example, if you want to warn you children about the
dangers of drugs, a good idea would be discussing some of the less savory
symptoms of opiate withdrawal. More
generic explanations about why drugs are bad will not have this kind of impact.
Explain the glamorization of many of these
ideas in the media and how we often don't see the aftermath and havoc it wrecks
on peoples lives. That it is in their best interest to learn from the mistakes
of others and not let them throw away their bright future because of the peer
pressure they feel now.
4. Get into a One on One Situation
You don’t want to be trying to talk to your
children about important issues when they’re distracted by other things like
homework and chatting with friends. Instead, try taking your child out fishing
or to the zoo. Do it without your spouse, so you have some alone time. This
will make it easier to spark up a conversation about a serious topic without
interference.
5. Start with Small Talk
You should be talking to your child often.
This should include things that are important like school as well as things
that aren’t so important like music or TV shows. Every parent should have good
candor with their child. Without this, talking about tough issues can be far
more awkward and difficult.
By building up a solid relationship before
hand, you will better be able to understand where your teen is coming from and
feeling as well as convey what you need to about certain topics. Also, by
bonding and allowing yourself to relate on common and fun topics such as music
and interest, you will understand each others taste and your child will
understand that you were young once as well. You have gone through all these
experiences and you understand what they are thinking.
Overall, the important thing is that you
try as a parent. If one approach doesn’t prove successful for communicating
your views on sex, drugs and other tough topics to your child, you can always
try another approach. However, don’t give up. Showing that you care can go a
long way to making a difference in a child’s life even if you don’t always know
the exact way to do it.