ABSTRACT

One person does the talking. This is very different from a situation where there is as much listening as talking. This is said to be two-way communication because each individual has the chance to talk and can feel that they are being listened to. One important aspect of non-verbal communication with teenagers has to do with timing. People who have long experience in making communication easier have pointed out that placing the blame on the other person is likely to lead to communication breakdown. The other person feels defensive, and stops talking. Most parents know that there are good and bad times to tackle a tricky subject with a teenager. It is important to recognise that feelings, such as tiredness, irritation, or frustration, can play a big role in affecting communication. Emotions can play a very large role in relationships between parents and teenagers.