Building Strong Parent-Teen Relationships By Dr Grace Graham

Introduction• Dr. Grace Graham, a psychologist and the owner of

Charis Counseling and Psychological Services in Plano, Texas, has worked extensively with families with teenagers. A licensed school psychologist as well as a general psychologist, Dr. Grace Graham has served as an evaluator for custody court proceedings.

When a child enters the teenage years, he or she may begin to pull away from the family unit. It is easy for parents to let the child then drift into a peer-centered world, but teens need their parents more than ever before during this time. A teenager needs a secure base, which should be the parents and family.

Parent-Teen Relationships• To be this secure base, parents need to be both available

and willing to give unconditional love.

Experts recommend that parents set time aside each week simply to be with their teens. This time does not need to be long, but it should involve meaningful conversation. By listening to their teens’ concerns without judgment, parents show a level of respect and interest that builds trust. When the need to set boundaries does arise, and it will, parents can be firm but loving and demonstrate that they care enough to ensure that their teens behave responsibly. To build a relationship that has depth and strength, these moments must be balanced with a healthy dose of laughter and fun.