How to Empathize With Teens

Empathizing with your teenager is something you want to do, but you might find it challenging from time to time. It̵7;s difficult for many parents to understand their teen̵7;s views, opinions and ideals, but it̵7;s not impossible. Having already gone through the teenage years and coming out the other side a much more mature and reasonable person, you might feel impatient trying to explain to your own teen that the things she̵7;s so stressed and worried about right now aren̵7;t even remotely relevant in the grand scheme of things. However, she has to learn for herself and you have to learn to empathize.

Instructions

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      Practice using empathy with your teen by attempting to empathize with your teen in every communication, advises Adina Soclof, founder of Parenting Simply, a site designed to help families grow together. For example, the next time your teen complains about having to read a book as part of his homework, try to empathize with him. Instead of telling him to consider himself lucky because you̵7;d love to have time to read a good book and he̵7;s being picky, tell him you understand how tough it is to have so much on his plate and still try to find time for a little relaxation and fun. You̵7;ll become better at empathizing the more frequently you use it.

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      Remind yourself that you don̵7;t know what it is your teen is facing in life because you haven̵7;t walked a mile in her shoes, advise child development experts at the Kids Health website. For example, if your teen is experiencing her first heartbreak, it̵7;s important for you not to demean her feelings by telling her she̵7;ll get over it or that the guy she likes isn̵7;t worth her time. Take a few minutes to remember what it was like to be a teenager with a broken heart, and use that experience to help you show empathy when talking to your teen.

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      Relate to your teen with empathy even when you disagree, advises Soclof. For example, if your teen is upset about curfew and wants to stay out later, don̵7;t just tell him that he̵7;s wrong and that̵7;s the end. Show empathy, despite your disagreement, by telling him that you see he is angry and upset right now, but that rules are rules. Many parents find it difficult to show empathy when they are in the midst of a disagreement with their children, but you can easily show empathy without condoning your teenager̵7;s behavior.

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