I could not figure out how to get my son to listen.

The high school years were rough.

I could not figure out how to get my son to listen.

I told him he needed to study more and offered advice on the “best” way. 

I suggested he get out of his room and ask some friends to go to the beach.

When I discovered he was smoking, I cut off his access to money and grounded him. 

My intentions were in the right place; however, his behavior didn’t change, and we grew apart.

I felt like a failure.

What I didn’t realize then that I know now is that I was having the wrong conversation.

I was so busy trying to make him meet my expectations that I missed what he needed.

He needed me to ask how he was doing instead of telling him what to do.

He needed me to realize that what worked for me wasn’t necessarily what worked for him.

He needed me to believe that nothing was wrong with him, and he didn’t need “fixing.”

He needed me to help him uncover his feelings to grow his self-confidence.

This is not the playbook we grew up with.

Nor is it taught in school.

When you address what they need, they are more open to your guidance.

It’s also the approach that helps them take responsibility and build confidence.

Don’t wait like I did to implement these strategies.

Book a complimentary consultation to learn more about this simple and effective parenting approach.