- They say 'I don't have the money to get there'. You say 'I'll give you a lift'. It gives them a chance to open up on the way (easier than with eye contact).
- They say 'I hate you'. You say - Nothing. Meeting angry outbursts with sympathetic silence gives them a chance to regain control.
- They say 'You don't understand'. You say 'Tell me how you are feeling'. Take them seriously. Don't laugh, or try to rationalise their worries, they need to say them aloud.
- They say 'Here are my results'. You say 'You worked really hard to get these grades'. Don't judge; empower them by praising their efforts instead.
I was always making notes on scraps of paper about tips and facts I'd read in books and magazines, seen on the Internet or on TV. So this is my paperless filing system for all those bits of information I want to access easily. (Please note: I live in the UK, so any financial or legal information relates only to the UK.)
Friday, 1 May 2015
Teen Tips
The teenage years are stressful for the whole family. If you have a teen in the family, try reacting this way if you hear the following.