Maintaining Communication and Fostering Trust With Your Troubled Teen During Their Journey at the Academy

If you are considering sending your teen to a program at Liahona, aiming to restructure their lives and work on their problematic behavior and poor decisions, it is crucial to understand how essential it is to have open lines of communication, especially at an age when they start to leave their childhood years behind and begin to see the world as young adults. Being a part of your teens' journey is essential for them to achieve the best results in life. Even though, at times, it might seem that the relationship between parents and kids is strained, clinical studies show that improving communication is critical to promoting behavior change.

Working on communication

Building trust with your teenager may be challenging, but it's not impossible. When they go through a program that aims at changing their behavior by offering specialized academic instruction, therapy, group activities, personal development, and social outreach, they will be filled with responsibilities during their stay. So it's vital that you, as a parent, do your part to achieve that middle ground sorely needed for a healthy relationship.

Listening

Teenagers crave validation - and that's also true for adults. But certainly, at that developmental stage, teens need understanding from their parents as they navigate this complicated period in their lives. By actively listening to what your teen has to say, without judgment or interruption, you create a space where they can feel safe to express their thoughts, feelings, and concerns. It is the cornerstone of fostering trust with your teen because they will understand that you are on their side and can trust the help you want. More than that, lending an ear can help strengthen your relationship and create mutual respect, which is critical during a hard time.

Open Environment

This goes hand in hand with the point above. Often, teenagers can't trust their parents and end up deviating from the right way because they seek someone they can trust. If you create an environment in your home that encourages your kid to feel comfortable and express themselves freely, there's a good chance you will earn their trust. Opening up for dialogue is crucial, and you need to make yourself approachable by staving off your judgment. Another critical point is to respect their privacy and give them time to think through what they want to say, making sure that they know you are available to listen to their problems and support them whenever they need it. Establishing that two-way street is the way to success. You must show genuine interest in their life so they understand you are committed to being on their side.

Transparency

No one likes to be talked down or have their agency taken away from them, so you need to understand that honesty is the bedrock of trust. Discussing with your teenager about your plans and things you would like to do to help them, including putting them in a program for rehabilitation, is a way to show that your decisions are not being hidden from them. Even when you discuss sensitive or complex topics, it is essential that you, as the parent, be open to what they have to say. There's no need to sugarcoat the truth or hide information, as this can erode trust over time. And there's no problem admitting mistakes and apologizing when necessary to show they can do the same.

Boundaries

Just because you value your kid's agency doesn't mean that you can allow them to do anything they want. Setting clear boundaries is another essential part of guiding them and fostering good behavior. Respecting their autonomy and individuality is essential, which is why open lines of communication are necessary. Involving your teen in the decision-making process, whenever possible, allows them to express their opinions and preferences. But you need to make sure that your opinion is also essential. There needs to be that two-way street communication mentioned above. Striking a perfect balance is complex; there are no two ways. However, having structure and being open to flexibility will let your teen know they can navigate safely at this time. They will feel empowered to make their choices responsibly but understand you are on their side.

Encouragement

During the challenges of adolescence, you must give your teens all the strength and support they need as they make their choices. If you can show that you're there for them, no matter what, they will feel like they can take confident steps without fearing mistakes. Celebrating achievements, no matter how small and insignificant they may seem, and offering encouragement during difficult times will show them that you care about their decisions, the work they put in to achieve something, and what they strive for. This is a great way to strengthen the bond you have, reinforcing your role as a trusted ally along their journey.

Example

No matter how well-intentioned you are and how good the advice you give is, actions always speak louder than words. To instill good behavior in your teen, such as honesty, empathy, and resilience, you must lead by example. That includes demonstrating respect for them in the first place but also for others through your interactions, decisions, and comments. This is the best way to teach valuable life lessons and lay the foundation for a healthy parent-teen relationship. It doesn't mean they will do everything you do, but giving them constructive examples they can follow is a sure way to show them that there are behaviors worth repeating.

Staying Involved

Being a part of their lives is different from being a helicopter parent. You can give them their privacy and freedom and let them have moments for themselves without your interference, but it's essential to let them know you are available when needed. Building trust to reach this level of respect and honesty is not easy; it requires patience, resilience, and ongoing work. Staying actively involved in their lives will develop their instinct to trust you more than anyone else because they will know you want to be with them. Participating in their activities, attending their events, and showing genuine interest in what they are doing is one part of it. But it is also crucial to make sure that they are well-cared for, have the help they need, and that your teen is on the right path. Your effort to be a part of their lives will be rewarded, even if it may take time. Challenges and setbacks along the way are expected. Mutual trust takes time, but dedication and commitment will nurture your strong relationship.

Our Take on Good Parent Relationships

Many actions are essential for a good parent relationship, like staying involved in their life, leading by example, setting boundaries, encouraging them on their journey, being transparent and open, and listening to your teen. These are especially useful if you plan on getting them into a treatment center like Liahona. They have individualized programs, including treatment plans for your teen, group therapy, medical management, and crisis intervention, to help teenagers in trouble get the help they need. They also offer family support so everyone can evolve together and develop lasting bonds for the rest of their lives.