Are you a parent of a teen and don’t know what is going on in their heads? Are you a teen who needs to bring up evidence of just how misunderstood? Or do you know a teen that you can help? If you answered yes to any of these questions, this article was written for you!

1. “Just say you don’t know if you don’t know” Have you ever been around a know-it-all who talks all about a subject and you can tell that he doesn’t know a thing about the subject? The same is with teens and parents, teens can tell a difference when parents are just making it up as they go along or if they really do know. Teens just want parents to admit that though parents are right the majority of the time,  they aren’t right all of the time.

2. “Don’t minimize the problem.” This ones simple but powerful. Just think of it as if you had toilet paper stuck on your shoe while about to meet the president. You’d want someone to tell you, right? The same principle goes with teens. They aren’t perfect, and they know that. Parents need to take control and tell their teens if something is obnoxious or wrong in their life. Don’t constantly nag, but gently tell your teen “Honey, I think you have an anger problem” and help them work on it.

3. “Sometimes, I just want you to listen.” Teens hurt, and teens have problems. But it is vital for parents to not always give advice and show teens where they went wrong. Sometimes, teens just want someone to listen to them and show sympathy toward their situation.

4. “I don’t actually know what I’m doing.” Parents, stop giving your teen the resposibility and expectations of adults. Teens need someone to teach them how to be an adult. Parents need to guide their children. Teens don’t just wake up one day and poof they’re an adult. Parents need to teach.

5. “Don’t Yell at Me.” So it’s no secret that teens don’t always keep their temper. But that doesn’t give parents the excuse either. Next time you and your teen are fighting, listen to them, and then reply in a calm voice – even if everyone can hear your teen from here to Timbuktu.

6. “ Involve me in your life. “ Teens need to feel like they are involved in your life. So plan some of your schedules around it. You will find that this will create much more openess in your relationship with your teen.

7. “Tell me if I do something right” Sometimes, Teens tend to feel as if parents are always yelling, always telling them what to do, and never tell you if you’re doing something right. The next time that your teen does something right, tell them.

8. “Don’t talk about me.” Sure, maybe getting in the wrong car at the supermarket was your teen’s blonde moment, but that doesn’t mean that it has to be broadcasted around the world! If your teen does something and you can tell that it would be a good conversation starter the next time that you see your old friend, ask your teen if they mind you telling the story. P.S. “Whatever” means “Sure” in teen language.

9. “Let me relax sometimes.” You know after a long day at work, you come home, make a cup of herbal tea and sit back with your favorite book only to be interupted by your teen who wants a ride to the mall? Frustrating, isn’t it? Teens feel like sometimes parents are just waiting for teens to have a spare minute and then, ” Did you clean up your room? Will you wash the car? Can you help me with the dishes?”

10. “I really do love you .”  The truth comes out. Although teens don’t show it as much as they did when they were younger, teens really do love their parents. Remember that they’re people too and spend as much time as you can with them. By using these simple tips, you’re bound to have a better relationship now and when you’re older.