As kids grow into teenagers, it might feel like they aren’t talking to you as much and might focus more on their friends.

But that doesn’t mean they don’t want to talk to you at all!

It’s important to keep checking in and having conversations with them regularly. Asking for their opinions and listening to their ideas shows that you respect them as they mature.

If you often find it difficult to connect, talking while doing something together, like driving or cooking, can be a good way to have a casual conversation. It’s less intimidating than sitting face-to-face and can make it easier for them to open up.

​​​​​​Top Tips

1. Be open and available. Let your children know you want to talk with them regardless of the topic.  Always show them that you enjoy talking with them.
2. Stay up to date with what’s going on in their life on a daily basis.
3. Talk about things that interest them. To get the conversation going, ask them about something they are interested in (sport, music, a video game, a movie or series they have watched).