It's no secret that as your kids get older, it can be harder to get them to open up about their lives. But there are some new tips from doctors that can make it easier to have a conversation with your teens.
Doctors say teens and parents can sometimes drift apart, especially when a majority of your child's time is spent at school or other activities where they're interacting with peers and classmates more frequently.
So tip number one to staying involved: try asking specific questions. Instead of "how was your day," ask about things like a certain test or friend.
When it comes to more serious discussions, pediatricians recommend starting the conversation in the car to ease the tension.
"If you think about it, a tough conversation-- if I'm staring at you and you're staring at me, and I'm embarrassed, I'm less likely to give you the whole story. If we're driving and I can't see your face, to see that your mom or your dad's eyes are getting really big and your face is getting red and you're getting angry, I, the teen, am more likely to keep talking," explained Dr. Vanessa Jensen of the Cleveland Clinic.
The most important recommendation from doctors is letting your teens know you're there and always available to listen.