17: The Secret Lives of Teens: Getting Your Teen to Open Up to You

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jon Mattleman has worked with schools, parents, mental health organizations, and businesses for the last 30 years to help manage anxiety, stress, depression and more. Today, Jon discusses why your teen might not be opening up to you, social media challenges, and so much more. It’s not just because they’re going through a ‘phrase’, it’s because we, as parents, make it difficult for them to talk! Sometimes we need to take a step back, give our teen space, and just listen attentively without trying to problem solve. Jon shares some useful strategies on this week’s episode to help navigate these tough teen years. </span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Key Takeaways</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">About Jon and his extensive work in this field.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Why don’t teens talk to us?</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Believe it or not, teens want to share their fears! </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Parents are always talking and giving advice when sometimes we just need to shut up and listen! </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Why do teens have better conversations with you in the car? </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Teens stop talking because they can see your face. Jon decided to try something new and turn off the light tod see what happens! </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Just because you’re ready to talk doesn’t mean it’s a good time for them to talk. </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Kids know when you’re not present! </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span sty