By Sara Karbowski
Oftentimes, high schoolers are stressed out about things like homework or relationships. But it might feel like a topic that’s too personal to talk about with a counselor or friend. So you want to talk it out with your parents, but it can be hard to start a conversation about it. It may be scary, as some teens feel like it’s hard to talk to their parents because they are worried about how their parents will react or that they will be sad or disappointed. But talking to your parents will lessen the burden on your shoulders. And your parents would probably be happy if you talk to them because they feel like they are being relied on.
So here are some tips to help you talk it out with your parents!
1. Write out your thoughts
Writing helps you organize your thoughts. Write out what’s stressing you out and how you feel right now. Doing this beforehand will help you set a clear topic when you talk with your parents.
2. Find the best time
It’s important to talk with your parents at a time of the day that both you and your parents are not rushed so that your conversation doesn’t have to end in the middle. If you or your parents are always busy, you can take some time. The weekends or dinner time might be a good idea.
3. Practice talking
For some sensitive topics like relationships and trauma, it might be hard to say it out loud at first. But if you practice by talking to yourself, your pet, or a stuffed animal about it, you will feel less nervous. It also helps you with organizing your thoughts more too.
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It’s okay to take time. Just remember that your parents are always on your side. As Kobe Bryant said, “My parents are my backbone. Still are. They’re the only group that will support you if you score zero or you score 40.” You got this!
References:
https://www.mhanational.org/time-talk-talking-your-parents
https://www.niu.edu/language-literacy/_pdf/the-benefits-of-writing.pdf
https://divethru.com/how-to-talk-to-your-parents-about-difficult-things/
