“You Never Listen to Me….. This is I believe that every Teenager would sometimes get to hear from a Parent”
But parents may have also heard the statement of a classic line, “You just don’t understand!”, then yes you’re not alone. Teenage communication is tricky territory. It’s that phase where kids are no longer little but not quite adults either and navigating that space requires more than just open ears. It requires open minds.
So what kind of communication do teens expect from their parents?
1. They want to be heard, not fixed.
Here’s the truth: most of the time, teens just want to vent. They’re not always looking for advice or solutions. When a teen says, “I had the worst day,” the worst response is, “Well, maybe if you…” That shuts the door.
Instead, try: “That sounds rough. Want to talk about it?”
Let them lead the conversation. Be their sounding board, not their repair technician.
2. They want respect.
It might sound strange after all, they still slam doors and leave their socks everywhere but teens crave to be treated with respect. That means no sarcasm, no belittling, and no comparing them to others.
Speak to them the way you’d want someone to speak to you during a tough day. Respect in communication builds trust, and trust opens up everything.
3. They want honesty.
Teens can smell fake from a mile away. If something’s going on, they’d rather hear the truth than be shielded from it. And yes, that includes tough conversations about relationships, mental health, money, or mistakes you made growing up.
Being honest doesn’t mean oversharing it means being real, showing vulnerability, and letting them see that life isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being human.
4. They want boundaries.
Believe it or not, teens don’t actually hate rules. What they hate is being dictated to without any say. Invite them into the conversation when it comes to setting boundaries. Let them share their reasoning. Listen. Compromise when it makes sense.
It teaches them how to negotiate, take responsibility, and understand consequences in a way that sticks.
5. They want consistency.
Teenagers may push back, but deep down, they need to know their parents are a safe, steady presence. Don’t threaten things you won’t follow through on. Don’t one day act like their best friend and the next like a warden.
Consistency builds emotional security. It’s what allows teens to take risks in the world, knowing home is their anchor.
In the End: It’s Not About Saying the Right Thing, It’s About Showing Up
We at Mentoring Minds Counsellors understand the every teenager is different and your teen might roll their eyes, shrug off a heart-to-heart, or tell you you’re being “so cringe.” That’s okay. Keep showing up. Keep asking how they’re doing. Keep being the parent who listens without judgment, who’s not afraid of uncomfortable talks, and who always makes room for connection.
Because even if they don’t always say it out loud, every teenager wants to know: “Are you really there for me?”
Let your words and even more so, your presence say yes.
Leave a Comment