Parent-Teen Communication:

Having the 'Parent-teen 'talk:

In this fast-paced digital era, ironically, Google, too, at times fails to fill you with the necessary information you need in the context of sexual and reproductive health. Apart from the theoretical aspect with biological terms when we talk about sexual and reproductive health, trust and credibility are the 2 cardinal pillars of reliance. Keeping these 2 pillars in mind, our parents help in situations where Google fails to answer our doubts. In fact, with the changing dynamics, many young minds have rooted the thought of having 'the talk' with their parent and caregivers.

If you're one such mind, pat your back! Talking to your parents about the 'do not talk' topics might land you in an awkward situation, but it definitely eases up with every conversation. Wondering how to pick up the threads? We can help! Read the article below to learn more about effective parent and teen communication. 

Importance of Positive Communication between Teens Parents:

Adolescence is the time when young people tend to get swayed away by the newly evolved changes in their lives. This is the time when the majority of people explore new concepts and also the time when the majority of youngsters drift away from their parents with assumed fear and fright!

However, it is very important to have healthy communication with your parents and caregivers in regard to sexual and reproductive health. Effective communication between teenagers and their parents is the foundation for cultivating robust family connections and facilitating the comprehensive growth of adolescents. To begin, it lays the cornerstone of trust, enabling teenagers to feel at ease sharing their thoughts and seeking counsel from their parents, a fundamental element in navigating the intricate landscape of adolescence.

In addition, positive communication supplies vital emotional support, particularly during a phase characterized by emotional upheaval and self-exploration. It constructs a secure haven for teenagers to articulate their emotions, anxieties, and inquiries, permitting parents to provide the indispensable comfort and understanding required.

Talking To Your Parents: Conversations That Leave You Awkward! 

Opening up to your parents would sound like a nightmare for many young people. In most cases, this would truly be an awkwardly frightening nightmare! Here are some topics that have always aroused feelings of terror amongst young minds and have been kept at bay since conventional times:

• Romantic relationships
• Sex and physical intimacy
• Contraceptives
• Masturbation
• Sexual interests and activities.

A mere gist through these topics might have had you all terrorized! Moreover, for instance, you might think talking to your parent about these would land you in a grounded situation. Although the talk' would sound like a problem, in turn, it's the actual solution to all your doubts and queries. Indeed, it is the most reliable solution!

How To Have Difficult Conversations with Your Parents?

As mentioned, here are some ways and tips to initiate the conversation and retain healthy, mindful, and effective parent-teen communication :

1. Retrospect your thoughts:When you dodge your fears and decide to have healthy communication, the next in line comes 'Retrospection'. Self-analyzing your thought process and outline your aims of the discussion. However, the 'firsts' are a little demanding. Make sure you do not jump to a topic which turns the situation into an awkward one. Here's a tip: If you genuinely want to initiate the convo, make sure that your subject of discussion goes from mild to intense, depending on the comfort levels of both sides.

2. Sense the environment:You definitely wouldn't want to initiate a conversation when your parents are in a blunt or dreary mood. Make sure you sense these surroundings to make sure that your communication is effective. Not only does the time, but the place too matters! Make sure you choose both wise before a mindful parent-teen talk!

3. The ultimate talk:  When you've actually slipped through the conversation starters, explain to them the purpose behind your questions. Most of the parents might give you a look that would make you stop the conversation thereby. However, remember, if it is awkward for both ends. Try to gauge and analyze both sides and explain it in a calm and rational manner. You can also include some movie or TV show references to ease it up a bit.  

4. Be receptive:It is important to respect their viewpoint. Even if you disagree, respect your parents' feelings; their concerns are valid. Bring up sexual health gently by alluding to it over multiple conversations; this eases the discomfort. If your parents are unwilling to discuss this topic, don't engage in arguments. Seek information and support from a trusted older sibling or another family member who may be more open to addressing your questions. 

Wrapping up: 

Ultimately, these first convos would be a little demanding, but with time, eventually, these ties of fear would loosen up. However, in this attempt to have healthy communication, it is important to consider your parents and their side of the story. For effective communication to take place, the chain of awkwardness has to break from both ends. Your comfort doesn't really mean that your parents are ready. Make sure you evaluate and take baby steps towards fruitful outcomes!