Decoding teenagers’ secret language

Nov. 11, 2012 - PRLog -- It must be one of the universal complaints from parents: communicating with your teenage kids could be tough. Today many parents find out more about their teenagers from social media sites than by talking to them directly.

Geraldine Moran, author and life coach who specializes in parent-teen relationships, said conflict between parents and teens due to lack of communication is a common pattern in Australian homes.

“There is usually a hidden meaning behind what the teenager is saying and doing,” said Mrs Moran, who is also the founder of OZ Spectrum Success Coaching. “It’s time to take the blame out of the equation and try to understand the differences without it ending in an argument.”

On another level, she said there is a huge expectation for children to grow up quickly. Often their physical development is further advanced than their emotional and brain development.

“And this is one area where parents need to be more understanding and patient with their teenagers,” Mrs Moran said. “Parents need to listen more closely to what their teenagers are really saying.”

At OZ Spectrum Success Coaching, where they conduct parent-teen and individual coaching, Mrs Moran said using their approach, they have seen an increase in positive aspects of parenting for families and a decrease in frustration and anger.

“If families are able to respect each other, it is possible to decrease the frustration and anger and forge opportunities to understand differences without having to reach a point of conflict.”

Mrs Moran said “Families in conflict respond well to a coach working with the parents and another coach working with their teens”

Some strategies that parents can apply are:

•    Showing interest by turning up to their teen’s sporting events or showing respect to their teens
•    Facing hard conversations and discussing options rather than shutting down ideas and concepts that may be challenging for the parent or the teen
•    Rather than always finding fault, try to find something right and praise them for their behaviour

“In most cases, it is a matter of being able to understand the different personalities of one another, which could bring about effective outcomes to reduce misunderstanding at home,” Mrs Moran said.

Oz Spectrum Success Coaching runs regular workshops and coaching programs for parents and their teens. Programs include “Parent / Teen – parent as coach approach” ®; “Harmony in the Home”; “Help Decode Your Child’s Secret Language”.

About Geraldine Moran

Geraldine is a qualified solicitor who chose to do something different with her life and so went back and studied psychology and then trained as a Life Coach. She brings a wealth of experience from her work in government and private enterprise. Her inspiration is helping others find their success across their life and business.

http://www.ozspectrumsuccesscoaching.com.au/

http://www.centreforhope.com/