We may not always realize how our actions can affect teens. It’s so easy to get caught up in a moment — in an argument or when dealing with stress — and forget about those around us. Especially as a parent, it’s important to keep in mind how your interactions with your partner can influence your children. Here are some ways that your communication with your partner can affect them, whether intentionally or not.
Photo by Sharon Mollerus
Openness is Infectious
Photo by pedrosimoes7
If you are open, honest and communicative with your partner, this will likely breed the same positive traits in your teen. An open environment is infectious — if you are willing to share, others are more willing to share too. Therefore, if you want your teen to be more honest with you, model that behavior for them with your partner.
Imitation of Negative Behaviour
Photo by Harrison Cohen Photography
As your teens develop, they pick up on behaviors they see around them. In other words, if they see negative, short-tempered, frustrated communication between you and your partner, they will likely mirror that back in their communication with you and others. When possible, keep arguments out of sight and earshot of your teens.
Don’t Make Your Child the Middleman
Photo by Peter Dahlgren
It can be tempting, when in dispute with your partner, to discuss this with your teen and unintentionally put them in the middle. This only creates divides in the family and stress for your child. Instead, choose to communicate directly with your partner rather than through a middleman or woman.
Family Comes First
Photo by Tetra Pak
Sometimes life can get stressful and upsetting, and the reality is that many families suffer from that negativity. That being said, it’s important for children to have support from both of their parents and for parents to be on their teen’s team even when in dispute. This support will affect their actions, decisions and relationships with others.
Featured image Karsten Bitter
