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About this #NativeTeen blog contributor: 

I feel more comfortable talking to her, because she has told me stories of the things she did when she was a teenager.

A common problem parents have with their teenagers is they do not know how to talk to or connect with them. While every family works differently, my mom and I have a great relationship. The older I get, the more freedom she gives me. All she asks for is that I check in with her and let her know what I’m doing and when I will be home. I feel more comfortable talking to her, because she has told me stories of the things she did when she was a teenager. During this time frame it is important for parents to realize that their child will make a mistake and that’s part of growing up, in fact I do believe it should be expected.  The way the parent handles their child’s mistake will make all the difference, just talking to their teenager as an adult would be the best option.

The best way for my mom and I to talk about something is she jokes around with me or brings me to a movie. A serious setting, such as sitting at the dinner table with both parents present, may put up your teenagers “walls”.

It is a very scary thing for a parent to let go of their child, but without this their child will become more distant. Allow them to start making their own choices as they get older, because the best way to learn something is through your own experiences. Every teenager needs guidelines. The best way for my mom and I to talk about something is she jokes around with me or brings me to a movies. A serious setting, such as sitting at the dinner table with both parents present, may put up your teenagers “walls”.

A big mistake a parent can make is freaking out at their child’s honesty.

Texting your child may ease the conversation and make it easier for them to talk to you. A big mistake a parent can make is freaking out at their child’s honesty. As a parent, you shouldn’t have to get every social media app your child has just to monitor their posts. Twitter can be considered a “diary”, if they wanted you to know they would tell you. You should have faith that your child isn’t posting disturbing things or images, there is a “button” another user can use if they feel it is inappropriate which will take their photo down immediately. It is a rare occurrence, for something of this nature to be posted. If you have faith in your child, it will allow them to become more comfortable with opening up to you.