How to Stop Criticizing Your Teen

When you are concerned about your teen’s future, you ask questions or make statements that can be critical.

“Why are you always late for school?”
“All you do is sit in your room all day on your device.” 
“I can’t believe you did that. What were you thinking?”
“Why would I help you when you are so ungrateful?”
“If you treat people like that, you won’t have any friends.”

Your heart is in the right place. You have good intentions.

You want them to learn to be prompt.
You want them to lead a healthy lifestyle.
You want them to think before they act.
You want them to be grateful.
You want them to have flourishing relationships.

But when your teen feels criticized, 
they get defensive,
they feel inadequate,
they push away from you, and
their self-confidence erodes.

If you want to have a positive impact on your teen, they need to feel safe and connected to you.

When you have a concern, think about what you want to achieve BEFORE you talk.

Take a moment to formulate your words so your teen can be a receptive listener.

Be mindful of subtle criticism that seeps into your parenting.

You can ask yourself, “Is this how I want my teen’s future spouse to talk to them?”

Notice the words you say to your teen and the impact it has.

Is this the outcome you want?

When we coach together, I help you turn your loving intentions into positive results for your relationship with your teen.

As my friend, Maggie Reyes, said, “Olympic athletes who are EXPERTS at their sports ALWAYS have coaches. Why? Because no one sees their own blind spots.”

Let’s flush out those blind spots so you can have the relationship you want. 

Click here and let’s do this. 💛

Your Coach,
Jeanine

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