So much is written on How to Talk to your TEENS... And, I believe an essential skill for parents to develop is the fine art of communicating with your teen BY NOT TALKING.
I don't know if you have noticed but teens and young adults experience selective deafness and it is in direct correlation to how much information, instructions and lectures we parents relentlessly try to impart to them.
I keep my eyes open for movies, books or music that we can actually share, enjoy together and just let the medium impart its message. Not everything must be a teaching moment with us as teacher.
The movies that I am recommending are not exactly wholesome and you may find parts offensive... Welcome to the teen world. Screen these first to see if they are acceptable for your family.
Movie #1 13 Going on 30.
I think this appropriate for younger teens, though older ones will get a kick out of it. It is actually one of my husbands favorite movies. He likes when the good guys win...
Movie#2 Little Miss Sunshine
This seems appropriate for the older teen. Beware- lots of use of the "F" word but it is an impactful part of the story.
I love both of these movies. And both made all of us laugh... Can we do enough of that?
Challenge to you parent dinosaurs:
Watch these movies:
- through the eyes of your child
- as a learner who does not know it all
- as a curious observer
- as a listener to your child's reactions
Your parental job... provide the popcorn...
Ciao,
Anne
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