ometimes, it seems as if teens and parents don't speak the same language. They say they'll be home "soon." They mean, "Sometime before tomorrow." You say, "Do your homework now." They hear, "Do it whenever".
Are you making every effort to speak the same language as your teen? Answer each question yes or no to find out:

1. Do you spend time with your teen every day so you can talk about day-to-day issues?

2. Do you schedule times to do something special together? You can go out for breakfast or take a walk.

3. Do you spend a few minutes with your teen before bed? Often, teens will say things in the dark that they would never say during the day.

4. Do you occasionally watch TV shows with your teen?

5. Do you try to listen to at least some of your teen's favorite music?

How well are you doing?

Each yes means you are trying to speak the same language as your teen. For each no, try that idea.

Reprinted with permission from the March 2010 issue of Parents Still make the difference!® (High School Edition) newsletter. Copyright © 2010 The Parent Institute®, a division of NIS, Inc.