How to talk to teens so they actually listen

Communicating with teenagers can feel like speaking an entirely different language, especially during the years when they’re becoming more independent, emotional, and easily overwhelmed. Parents often worry that their advice gets dismissed or misunderstood, but the truth is, teens do listen when they feel respected, heard, and understood. Effective communication during these years is not about lecturing; it’s about connection. Here are five research-backed, parent-approved ways to talk to teens so they genuinely pay attention, respond better, and build healthier long-term communication habits.