Teenagers and Organization ….

Teenagers and Organization ….

by Claire McFee Author of Organize Your Life

Teenagers have a lot to deal with in this day and age, which makes it even more important to make sure they have a ‘safe haven’ away from the stresses of life. Trying to go back in time and remember what was all-encompasing to you at that age can help, but more than that, is the ability to just listen without judgement or trying to solve their problems for them.

Ask the Question

Asking your teenager how everything is in their world, is an important ritual worth starting. You may get a grunt for an answer occasionally, but if you keep at it and show genuine interest in their lives, then you will be surprised at the information you can gain in the process.

Eat together

As the saying goes ‘the family that plays together stays together ‘- and eating together is an important part of this equation. Too many people take the easy option of eating in front of the TV, or worse in separate rooms with TV’s in there too! Although it is easy and ‘everyone else does it’ , it’s not worth the loss of connectedness with your own flesh and blood if you go down this road. You need to make it a family expectation that you all eat together at the table at least 4 nights a week. The opportunity for you as a family and all the learning that comes from it dwindles rapidly if this important meeting of the minds doesn’t occur.

Listen without Judgement

Interjecting with your opinion – although highly valauble I’m sure – does not help teenagers keep the ‘lines of communication’ open with you. Learning to listen attentively without interruption is really important. This way you can hear the whole story – helping prevent you from jumping to conclusions part way through.

Get with it

Get on line and research various teenage topics that may arise, so that you are pre-armed with knowledge on various topics you may not have had any expereince with.

Keep you Humor

Having and maintaining a sense of humor is paramount to your sanity and to your teenagers as well during these important years. Even when it comes to family affection for example and giving your child a hug goodnight. If you let your child push you away when they become self conscious about these things then this can turn into ‘forever’. Jokingly saying something like “You’re not going to get away without a cuddle from me that easily!” and giving them a quick one on their way to bed instils that you love them enough to bother doing this, creating much stronger life-long bonds and usually more respect along the way.