How often do you connect?

I once worked with a family who were struggling with their teenage daughter.

They wanted the best for her and had sent her to boarding school, with her returning at weekends.

I asked them how often they spoke to her while she was at school, and they just looked at me confused.

“We see her at the weekends and we speak to her when she phones us because she needs something.”

I tried to explain the benefit of connecting more often, even if only to say, ‘did you have a good day’, or ‘love you’ but I could see that the father felt this was a pointless act.

Let me tell you that talking to your child, just because, is NEVER a pointless act!

I believe the reason that I have a great relationship with my daughters, is because I talk to them. Or at least provide the opportunity for conversation to take place, even if it is not always taken up.

Even the eldest gets at least a weekly face time call, and even the occasional message throughout the week. Often the conversation starts off quite silted, but it is amazing where things end up.

As we move into Summer over here in NZ, you may find your teenagers want to get out and about that little bit more.

Do not be afraid to ask them when, where and who with. They may complain now that you are being too nosey, but at least they know you care enough to ask.

Something which may make all the difference if later in life they are struggling with things, and need to reach out for support.

Mental Health is for life!