TAMPA (BLOOM) –
Teen Life Coach Desiree Panlilio joined Gayle Guyardo, the host of the global health and wellness show Bloom, to provide insightful guidance on strengthening the parent-teen relationship. Here are some key strategies she shared:
1. Trust: Building a Two-Way Street
- Trust is the foundation of any relationship and works both ways. Parents need to trust their teens, and teens need to trust their parents. Establishing and maintaining trust is an ongoing process. For instance, when faced with a situation like a teen arriving home late, the response is crucial. Instead of reacting with anger and extreme consequences, expressing relief and concern opens up a different, more constructive conversation. Similarly, preserving the trust involves keeping confidences, ensuring a web of trust rather than a tangled mess.
2. Spend Time Together: Investing in Quality Moments
- Time is our most valuable resource. Actively engaging in your teen’s life by spending quality time together nurtures the bonds of your relationship. Parents serve as the most influential role models, and regular interactions provide opportunities for teens to ask questions and discuss concerns. Making a weekly date a priority, whether it’s over coffee, dinner, a movie, or a shared activity, fosters connection and strengthens the parent-teen relationship.
3. Communicate: The Heart of the Relationship
- Communication is the cornerstone of any relationship. Consistent, honest, and open communication forms the bedrock of understanding. Listening becomes an art, not just to respond but to genuinely comprehend. Encouraging an atmosphere where both parties feel heard and understood creates a foundation for a healthy parent-teen relationship.
Desiree Panlilio emphasizes that by incorporating these strategies, parents can navigate the intricate terrain of the parent-teen dynamic, fostering trust, quality time, and effective communication for a stronger, more resilient relationship.