Natural Parenting Toolbox: Questions for Successful Teen Communication

Ask yourself the following questions to help determine if you are communicating openly with your teen:

• Am I honest with my teenager? Do I really say what I feel, in a non-hurtful way?
• Can my teen be honest with me? If he shares his beliefs with me, and they are different than mine, am I still able to accept them?
• Do I listen before debating or retorting?
• Do I give positive feedback, without demanding a change?
• Am I open to receiving feedback from my teenager?
• If I were a teen, would I come to me to share a feeling or a goal?