Do not let your idea of adolescent independence stop you from engaging with the young people in your life. They value staying connected with family, even if they do not always show it , writes Elise Woodman Parenting teenagers can feel daunting. With high rates of youth mental health diagnoses and persistent messages about adolescents’ desire for independence, parents and carers are searching for ways to support their kids and maintain a relationship with them. Family connectedness — the sense of belonging and closeness that can be present in families of all shapes and sizes — can protect young people’s well-being and mental health. Feeling connected to family can provide a stable foundation for positive development and building a sense of self. Family connection helps young people feel secure and supported at home as they cope with the changes of adolescence and explore the world and relationships beyond home. But it’s not always easy to foster when the teenager in your life says they want you to leave them alone. Here are some ideas to try. Pushing away but wanting connection Our previous research involved interviews with young people, who told us that although their words and actions sometimes push parents away, they need and value time with family much more than we might realise. Similar research suggests young people want family involvement, despite sometimes sending mixed messages. In 2020, 80% percent of 15-19-year-olds surveyed rated family relationships as very or extremely important. Here’s what young people told us they wanted parents to do. 1. Be present in their lives Time with parents and family members is important to young people. Connections are built by being engaged with your teenagers during the mundanity of life — while washing the dishes together, sharing meals or driving places. Young people need to see you are genuinely interested in their lives. Ask open-ended questions and remember the important things they tell you. A good first step is putting away your phone — yep, just like we keep telling them to. Don’t assume changes in their mood are just due to hormones or neurological shifts. Teenagers in our research told us sometimes they hide away in their bedrooms because their parents are focused on work and not mentally open to connect with. When life gets busy, be explicit that you value time with them and want more of it. If you are not living with your young person, showing a consistent interest in their lives is crucial to maintaining your connection. 2. Share in each other’s interests Common interests naturally support time together and engaged conversations. Ask about the things they care about. Spend time together doing the things they enjoy — shopping, hiking, watching movies. Think about ways they can enjoy their interests at home — cook a meal or watch a movie together. 3. Value them for who they are right now Young people want to feel valued as an important part of the family and have their individuality and ideas respected.…
