Before entering adulthood, one must first undergo what is perhaps the most brutal chapter that life has to offer: the teen years.

Surging with hormones, emotions, and ever-changing feelings on a daily basis- it’s no wonder why teens are known for being a little more emotional than the rest of us. In spite of the challenges that saturate these trying years, Eva Carlston Academy reviews that it’s also the ideal time of life to learn and practice important life skills, such as communication and sociability.

Set An Example

Those with children have heard it a million times before, but that doesn’t make it any less true. Despite their grunts and sighs, teens really will learn by example. Communication skills, as well as how they react to conversations, is something that is instilled by experience. So, parents should be mindful of how they speak to their teens.

Being met with listening ears, rather than responses that sound like they were made on autopilot, is just one of the ways parents can let their teens know they’re interested in conversation, while also showing them how to keep a conversation active and growing.

Try to Talk More Often

Teens now are growing up in the digital age, where stimulating conversations are often held via social media, text, or DM’s. Though incredible, and while these discussions can aid in communication skills, they’re in no way a replacement for good old-fashioned conversation.

Families should put forth a distinct effort to hold conversations on a daily basis- whether it be over the dinner table, while watching TV, or even on the car ride home from school. Not all conversations need to be note-worthy and important, the art of casual conversation is just as necessary to learn as the more formal stuff.

Encourage Extracurriculars

The teenage years are the ideal time for young girls to find themselves. It’s a time to try out different hobbies, discover favorite music genres, and join clubs, committees, and teams with people who share the same passions.

Among the best parts of joining school extracurriculars isn’t just being surrounded with like-minded people, but also that these peers are likely learning how they communicate too- there’s no pressure to be found, and long-term friendships are all but guaranteed to be cultivated.

Let Them Take Charge

It’s bittersweet for those raising them, but teens are finally at an age of self-sufficiency. That means, not only can they perform basic tasks for themselves, but they can also speak up for themselves when it’s necessary.

Teens should practice ordering for themselves in restaurants, asking the counter for ketchup, scheduling appointments on their own, and other such tasks whenever they can. This will help build their confidence when talking to people, both over the phone and in person, as well as to benefit their social skills overall.

Final Thoughts

It goes without saying that the teen years can be rough, but that doesn’t mean that they need to go by without the gifts of conversation and friendship. With a little nudge, teens can learn how to grow into themselves and find their voices.