Talking with teenagers seems like an impossible feat for most parents. Teens usually don’t like to share things, reject advice, and enjoy ignoring people around them. But that doesn’t mean that you should stop trying.
Actress Julie Bowen, the star of the sitcom Modern Family, recently made an appearance on The Three Questions with Andy Richter podcast and shared and shared a tip that helps her start conversations with her teenage sons: 17-year-old Oliver and 15-year-old twins John and Gustave.
According to Bowen, the tip passed down to her by her sister is to be around and create opportunities for them to open up without being pushy.
“Make fake cookies in the kitchen no one’s ever gonna eat. They start coming in and out. You start having conversations with teenagers. Being around works,” Bowen told host Andy Richter.
Bowen added that this type of approach works a lot better than parents demanding teenagers to spend time with them. Sooner or later, they will be in the mood to talk, and it will be a great bonding experience.
“So you’ve gotta sort of be there in order to catch the runoff, and sometimes it’s freaking magic and great,” she added.