The Geauga News Weekly Roundup – August, 18th, 2018
Ready to get out into Geauga, Ohio, and have some fun with your family? Check out the Claridon Woodlands Grand Opening Celebration this weekend. For more free family fun, take your kids on a scenic train ride through Cuyahoga Valley. Resonanz Opera Company presents The Magic Flute by Mozart tonight and Saturday. On Tuesday, you can go out dancing at the Chagrin Falls Contra Dance. Do you have a teenage child? Check out of ten tips for connecting with your teen. Keep reading for all this, and more, in your Geauga News Weekly Roundup!
Events on Friday, August 17th, 2018
– Kids Ride FREE on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad at Peninsula Depot, 1630 Mill Street, Peninsula, OH — Offer Valid Tue – Fri Until the End of August
– FREE Claridon Woodlands Grand Opening Celebration — 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Events on Saturday, August 18th, 2018
– FREE Claridon Woodlands Grand Opening Celebration — 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
10 Tips For Connecting With Your Teen (Part One)
Do you ever feel at a loss trying to build a healthy relationship between you and your teen? Don’t worry — you’re not alone. Many parents don’t know how to talk to their teenagers without accidentally saying or doing the wrong thing. Hopefully, this article will help you bridge that gap and encourage your son or daughter to open up to you.
- Follow Their Interests
One of the best ways to spend quality time with your teenager is through their favorite hobby. Ask to scrimmage them on the basketball court or sign up for an art class with them. Joining your teen in their favorite activity shows you’re interested in what they care about. They are more likely to open up while doing something they enjoy. Besides, they will notice that you care about them and are willing to try things they like.
- Trust Your Teen
More than anything, teens want to prove they are independent and can handle things on their own. Prove you trust your son or daughter by delegating responsibilities to them. Give them space to do these tasks without supervision. Show your teenager that you respect them and believe they’re self-sufficient and capable.
- Don’t Pry — Give Privacy
Be available to talk, but don’t try to force a conversation out of your teen. When you nag for an answer, your teen may shut down. Instead, offer your help, give them privacy and be ready to support your son or daughter whenever they are ready to talk. Make sure your kid knows you’re there to listen.
- Be In the Same Mood
Try to gauge your son or daughter’s mood before jumping into conversation. When you are in different frames of mind, it’s difficult to have a meaningful discussion. For example, if you’re feeling cheerful, but your teen child is tired or upset, it’s probably not the best time to force small talk. Make yourself available and show them you’re empathetic to whatever they’re feeling. It’s important to be aware of your teen’s mood and how they feel on a daily basis. There’s a difference between typical teenage mood swings and potentially serious warning signs that your teen may need professional help.
- Don’t Micromanage
No matter how hard you try, you cannot control everything in your teen’s life. Don’t try to supervise everything they do. Remember, they want to feel independent, not patronized. Ask permission before going into their room or looking at their phone. Make sure you respect their privacy and maturity while they handle their own responsibilities. If you micromanage your teen, they may feel like you don’t trust them, or that you think they’re incompetent.
Want to see the rest of our ways to connect with your teenage children? Read more after this Wednesday’s events!
Events on Sunday, August 19th, 2018
Events on Tuesday, August 21st, 2018
– Kids Ride Free on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad at Peninsula Depot, 1630 Mill Street, Peninsula, OH — Offer Valid Tue – Fri Until the End of August
Events on Wednesday, August 22nd, 2018
– Kids Ride Free on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad at Peninsula Depot, 1630 Mill Street, Peninsula, OH — Offer Valid Tue – Fri Until the End of August
10 Tips For Connecting With Your Teen (Part Two)
- Reach Out to Your Teen Before Scolding
If your teenage daughter or son breaks a rule, try not to scold them right away. First, take a second to make sure they are okay. Then, try to understand why they broke the rule. While you may still choose to punish your child for their transgression, it’s a good idea to first know the reasoning behind their bad behavior. For example, if your teen breaks curfew, don’t reprimand them before first asking if they are okay. Find out why they came home late. Knowing the whole story might prevent any misunderstandings or resentment between you.
- Explain Your Rules
Let’s face it — “Because I said so” isn’t a sufficient argument. When your teenager asks why you made a rule, they deserve to know the reason. Be honest about your concerns and beliefs. When you understand your decision making, it’s easier for your teen to accept your rules and follow them. Young adults want to feel in the loop and have a chance to give their opinion. Provide and explanation and make them feel understood.
- Respect Their Dreams and Opinions
No matter how much you may want your child to be a doctor, lawyer, rock star or athlete, part of being a parent to a teen means supporting your son or daughter unconditionally. Respect their dreams — whether they related to college, their career or trips they want to take. Make sure your child know their opinions matter. Even if you disagree with your teen, validate their thoughts with your listening, support and respect.
- Include Your Teen in Decisions
Many teens may feel like an insignificant part of their family if they’re not included in big decisions. For example, think about if you’re planning on moving soon, selling your house or quitting your job to start a business. Show your teenage child respect and ask them for their input. Of course, the parent will always make the final choice, but allowing your teen to give their opinion lets them feel involved in the process. If your teen will be affected by this family decision, they deserve to have a say.
- Reminisce with Your Teen
Finally, here’s a tip that’s fun for parents, too. Tell your teen about what they were like as kids. Look back joyful occasions when you were together. Your son or daughter will probably love to hear treasured stories about themselves, and looking back on happy memories can help you bond.
Parents of Teenager: How Will You Connect With Your Child?
Use these ideas to initiate conversations and build a strong relationship with your son or daughter. They may not act like it, but trust us, they care about their relationship with you more than anything else. Keep trying to connect with your teen, and above all, make sure you treasure every second you spend together.
How do you connect with your teenagers? Have any tips you want to share with our readers? Write to drafts@geauganews.com and tell us about it!
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Come Back Next Week for More Local Events in Northeast Ohio!
We hope you’ve enjoyed this week’s edition of The Geauga News Weekly Round Up! Be sure to check in next week for more local news and events in your area. Have a great weekend!
Have an event you want to see in next week’s edition? E-mail us your story: drafts@geauganews.com
