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Does your teen listen to you? Probably not!

The times your child will really listen to you get fewer and farther between as they grow into the teen years. That’s why parents often ask me what’s the best way to find out what their teen is thinking.

I tell them that the worst way to find out is by sitting them down and telling them you want to talk. Instead, have some fun together and conversation will naturally come out of that. Go skiing, horseback riding, fishing, or playing paintball with them. Whatever they enjoy doing. 

Boys especially seem to process life while they are involved in an activity of some sort. So, take advantage of a fun activity and be ready to listen, not to pry or lecture.