HOW TO STAY CONNECTED WITH YOUR TEEN

With love, laughter and a little flexibility, your bond can come through the teenage years stronger than ever.

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The teen years are famously tricky, but staying close to your child through this chapter is more important (and more possible!) than you might think.

There's no doubt about it, parenting a teenager can feel like learning to dance to a brand-new rhythm. One moment they're chatty and full of cuddles, the next they're slamming doors, glued to their phone or giving you one-word answers. While it might seem like your teen is pulling away, the truth is, they still need you - just in different ways.

Staying connected with your teenager isn't about forcing conversations or pretending to be their best friend. It's about building trust, showing up and keeping the lines of communication open - even when it feels like they've emotionally packed up and moved out. Here's how to keep that all-important bond strong, even during the mood swings and eye rolls.

ACCEPT THE SHIFT

First things first - it's completely normal for your relationship with your teen to change. As they grow and become more independent, they naturally start seeking more space. This isn't a rejection of you; it's part of healthy development. They're figuring out who they are, what they believe and where they fit in the world.

While they may push you away at times, deep down your child still craves the safety and steadiness you offer. Your job isn't to chase after the version of them from years past - it's to adapt, so you can meet your son or daughter where they are now.

STAY PRESENT

Teenagers might not always want to chat, but they still want to know you're around. Being physically and emotionally present makes a big difference, whether that's cooking dinner together, watching a series they love or simply sitting in the same room while they scroll on their phone.