Showing posts with label teen communication. Show all posts
Showing posts with label teen communication. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Phone vs Text vs Email

What type of person are you?

Phone vs. Text vs. Email
Source: Accredited Online Colleges

Phone:
Yes:”The only way to do business aside from in person.”
Sort-of:”It is easier to understand nuances, humor, and intonation.”
No:”Ugh, it’s so stressful having to actually talk to someone. A phone call is an invasion of privacy.”
Text:
Yes:”Easiest and most convenient by far.”
Sort-of:”That’s a lot of typing on a small keyboard.”
No: “What’s texting? So unprofessional.”

E-mail:
Yes:”Very clear, easy, and always have a record of the convo.”
Sort-of: “Well you can respond when it’s convenient.”
No: “What’s email? It’s hard to tell what people really mean.”

It probably depends on your generation

The Young Ones
43% of 18-24 y.o.’s think texting is just as meaningful as a face to face conversation.
42% of teenagers say texting is the main reason they own a phone.

Millennials prefer emails and texts to other forms of communication.

29% of Millennials think in person meetings are effective vs. 45% of Boomers
[% of generations that use cell to text]
Millennial: 88%
Gen X: 77%
Boomer: 51%
Silent: 9%
Median # of texts in the last 24 hours of
Millennial: 20
Gen X: 12
Boomer: 5
Silent:0

And at the extreme: Teenagers: 50
It’s part of an ‘always connected’ youth culture.

[% of generations that sleep with their phone]
Millennial:83%
Gen X: 68%

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Sue Scheff: Communicating with your teenager

Source: Shoulder to Shoulder


When talking with teens, keep the following in mind:

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE APPROACH.

•Don't blast teens with "20 questions" when they first walk in the door. Catch them when they are genuinely ready to talk. However, you may have to create that moment by going out for ice cream, taking a bike ride or working on a project together.

•If you're upset with your teen, you can't solve a problem effectively. Give yourself some time to cool down before addressing the issue.
•Keep the situation in perspective. It's normal for teens to push the boundaries. Let them experience how to question what they see, and to develop skills in reasoning with you. That way, they will learn to think for themselves to deal with peer pressure and other teen issues.



ARE YOU READY TO TALK?

•Avoid telling teens "this is how it's going to be." Be respectful by asking for their perspective of the situation - and really listen to them. Try to find a solution together.

•Pose your questions as open-ended questions instead of yes-no questions.
•Don't accept "I don't know" as a response. Instead try, "Tell me how you see it."
•Tell a joke or humorous story to relieve a tense situation, but don't make fun of teens. Their self-esteem can be fragile.
•Don't solve problems for them. Our teens will not be living with us forever. To let them grow, we should look for opportunities for them to make their own decisions.
•Get right to the point and be clear about your concerns. Explain why you feel the way you do, and then describe what you want or need in the future. Be ready to listen to what your teen needs, too.
•If you already know the answer, don't ask the question. For example, if you clearly disapprove of your teen's outfit, don't ask, "What are you wearing?!" Instead, you might try, "I'm concerned about that outfit. It's revealing and I don't want others to get the wrong idea about you. Please choose something else."
•Teens know they can wear down most adults with sheer repetition and persistence. When a discussion has reached the "wheel spinning" point, end it. To continue is to ask for trouble, as frustration may cause things to be said that we'll regret.
•Listen up. If teens see us as adults that will not listen to them, they will stop talking to us. Force yourself to listen. If necessary, count to 100 before responding and avoid giving unwanted advice or lecturing.
•Tell them often how much you love them.



Source: "Positive Parenting of Teens" University of Minnesota Extension Service & University of Wisconsin - Extension, 1999.

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Sue Scheff: Parenting Tips - Family Time Out


School is opening in many areas of our country and soon kids and teens will be getting back into their academic schedule.


As a parent we need to be sure our teens are prepared not only with school supplies, but more importantly, with the self-esteem and motivation to have a fantastic academic and social year.

Parents and their teens need to take the time to open their lines of communication and turn off technology. Creating a “family-time-out” as part of your evening schedule can help you become more in tune to your child’s life; both at school and socially.

Take at least 15 minutes each evening and turn off all electronics. Including TV, cell phones, Computers, telephones (don’t answer), radio, Ipods, etc. Many families find that doing this in the later evening is easier; around 8:30-9:00pm after dinner when parents are home from their jobs and have had time to unwind.

Ask your teen how their day was? Did they meet any new friends? How are their teachers? What are they studying? I am amazed that many parents are so busy with their own work and lives, they are not aware of what subject a child is studying in school. With today’s technology, I always encourage parents to ask about virtual friends and where your teen is surfing online. Remember, being an educated parent can help you be a better parent.

Part of family-time-out is also sharing your day. Many teens are not aware of what their parents do or how they feel. Once your teen realizes that you are human too, with feelings that can get hurt by friends or co-workers, they will be more open to share their feelings with you.
As school opens, let’s start opening the lines of communication at home too.

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Sue Scheff: Parent and Teen Communication - Let's Talk



Talking to your teens and kids about the risks of drugs and alcohol isn't has hard as you think. Time to Talk will help you talk with your kids.

The Talk Kit will help you with...



How to start talking
How to say it
How to teach kids to turn down drugs
How to answer the question: "Did you do drugs?"
Tips for caring adults involved with kids
A Practical one-sheet guide to the drug and alcohol scene. You can browse the Talk Kit online, or print out the tips sheets and information tools.


Visit: http://www.timetotalk.org/