If your child is just about to enter the portals of teenage, or if he or she is already a teenager, it would be appropriate for you to get prepared to engage in healthy dialogue with your teen, on topics that need to be discussed but ones that most parents avoid talking about altogether or just get embarrassed about how best to handle them. As parents, we should try to get into an open mode of conversation with our child, especially when he is a teenager. Adolescence is a tricky stage, too many restrictions and the teenager is quick to blame you for being so ‘rigid’, too much of access and many times, the teenager could land himself into serious trouble.

So how much is too much? And how do you know when it is right to let go, and when it is safe to hold on?
 

• The best bet is to establish a pattern of conversations beforehand.
   
• Do not wait for the teen to ask you awkward questions. Initiate dialogue on topics you feel are tricky.
   
• Topics that deal with sex, sexuality, drugs, alcohol, the opposite sex, work, finance can be very difficult topics for parents. But it is best to start talking about them in a friendly, open and transparent manner.
   
• If you feel too embarrassed to talk about certain topics like sex, for instance, take the help of your spouse. Both of you can explain things to the child.
   
• Cultivate the art of listening to your teenager. Most children just want a sounding board. Do not dump them with advice. Instead, lend a patient ear.
   
• Do not make the mistake of getting emotional or critical. Children can read between the lines and pick up moods and feelings with ease. Your teenager might just shut off and the road to dialogue might be closed for ever.
   
• Appreciate the child for coming to you if he has done so. His trust in you is what has made him come to you in the first place, so show your gratitude.
   
• Do not appear shocked or terrified, as your child might be just testing you. Answer the tricky question with ease. Prepare yourself for this, if you may.
   
• Being receptive to your teen’s moods, desires and temperament will go a long way in making things easy for him as well as you.
   
• Most parents talk ‘at‘ their children, rather than talking ‘to‘ them. Do not forget that your teen will soon be a young adult, and has his own perceptions. Respect them.
   

Getting into the groove of handling difficult topics will help you in knowing what and how your teenager is faring. Avoiding them will only distance you from your child. Learn to handle the next tricky question, with ease!