The following article was shared in an official email from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

As teenagers head back to school, it’s important to recognize that having healthy communication with them has a major impact on their health and well-being. 

There are actions parents can take tool encourage open communication. This means that your child or teen feels free to express their feelings and ideas to you. Open communication can help strengthen your relationship with your child or teen.

Active listening is when you let your child share their thoughts and feelings without interruption. Once they are finished sharing, try to repeat back to them what you heard in your own words. This shows you heard what they had to say and understood what they meant.

You can build connections with your kids by asking them about their interests and being curious about their lives. This can include asking them and getting them to talk to you about their hobbies, friends, or what they are doing after school. Encouraging your kids to share what has been happening to them, things they like to do and why, and what they think and feel can build connection.

Make it safe for your kids to share what has been happening with them and what they’re thinking and feeling without worries that you’ll be angry with them or punish them. This can make it more likely that they’ll keep sharing with you. There may be times when your kids tell you things that surprise you or make you uncomfortable but do your best to be understanding as your first reaction. Repeat back what you are hearing and ask if you have it right before asking more questions or saying what you’re thinking. While certain things they tell you might lead to some follow-up, it is important that you make sharing things with you as safe and comfortable as you can.

Your kids may not always want to share things with you and like all relationships, it may take time to build open communication. Creating regular opportunities for you and your kids to share will help communication grow. These kinds of conversations can happen any time—whenever you’re on the way somewhere with them, while you’re doing things together at home, or whenever you have time with them.

If you have concerns about your child’s emotional well-being, behavioral adjustment, or overall mental health, the CDC suggests reaching out to a qualified professional like your primary care provider or your child’s pediatrician. Continue to have open and honest discussions with your child, offering encouragement and support.

Key Takeaways

• Creating regular opportunities to talk with children and youth can have a big impact on their health and well-being.
• Parents and caregivers can promote healthier and safer experiences by making a habit of knowing about their children’s and youth’s lives and connecting with them through regular check-ins.
• Connecting with children or youth can reduce their risk for poor mental health and other health risks.

Source: Official email from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, week of September 1, 2024