Your To-Do List v. Your Relationship
Are your conversations with your teen all about your to-do list?
You know…
“Did you talk to your teacher about retaking the test?”
“Did you remember your soccer bag?”
“Don’t forget your tutor is coming at 6.”
“Did you get your college app essay done?”
“Did you apply for a summer job?”
I’ll be honest.
I loved my to-do list.
I felt helpful by keeping my teen on track.
I felt in control of all the craziness.
I felt like a good mom.
But subtle thoughts crept in:
Is this really my only role now?
We don’t have fun together anymore.
I don’t know what’s really going on with them.
Why are they pulling away from me?
Is this all there is?
When you want to focus on the quality of your relationship, change how you talk to them.
Instead of talking at them, engage them in a conversation.
Instead of offering your wisdom, get curious and listen to what they say.
Instead of convincing them why they shouldn’t feel that way, try,“That must be hard.”
Instead of telling them what to do, ask what they want to do.
Here are some ideas:
“How’s it going with Sophia?”
“What do you enjoy watching on TikTok?”
“How do you feel about play practice?”
“What’s Mr. Harris like as a teacher?”
“What’s something fun you would like to do this summer?”
You created this beautiful human being.
Do you want to feel connected to them?
Do you want to enjoy your relationship?
Do you want them to want to be with you when they are an adult?
This is possible when you change your parenting approach.
I can help you with this.
Don’t wait any longer.
Set your teen and your relationship up for success.
♥️ Jeanine
P.S. Head on over to Instagram for more parenting strategies.
