Listen to Your Teen’s Whispers, So You Don’t Hear Their Screams

Although it felt completely different from the way we're used to communicating, I learned through practice that this kind of listening is essential. It means putting your agenda aside when you ask, “How was your day?” and not waiting for them to answer before you continue, “…and when are you going to write that supplemental essay?” When teens don't feel heard in everyday conversations, they may eventually express their feelings in ways that are harder for us to ignore.