February, 2005
by Shannon K. Spellman, M.S.W.
Often the best reaction is no reaction at all. Look back as an observer in your last conflict with your adolescent. Did you let him/her push your buttons? Did you yell back? Did you get defensive? Did you move toward your kid in a combative manner? In the next conflict, consider standing or sitting still and using listening skills rather than arguments. Often teens just need to feel heard. And when it's simply a matter of they can't have what they want, most adolescents will accept "No" better if they believe that their opinions were validated, even if you don't agree.
©2005-2008. Hiding Star Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved.
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