How can I get my teen to listen to me – Part 2 of 5

Are you frustrated by a teenager who does not listen to you?  You are not alone.  Want to do something about it? 

In part one I gave you the word “talk”.  Not talk as in “tell your teen what to do”, but talk as in “discuss life” …even the goofy and odd things.  Develop habits of talking with your teen so that when the important, even confrontational, discussions occur the doors of communication are open.

In part two the word is “listen”.  Sounds messed up doesn’t it?   Well, we, like it or not, train our teens how to listen.  We must model what we expect.  Fact is, we do model what we expect…whether right or wrong.   This 2 minute video should help.  

After evaluating, you may need to ask your son or daughter’s forgiveness for not listening and for being a poor example of a good listener.  I know I have.  James 1:19 in the Bible says we are to be “quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger. ”  Not easy, but an imporant truth to follow if you and I want our teen(s) to listen to us.

Andy Woodall
Andy Woodall served as the Pastor of Student Ministries at Faith from 1999-2012.