Has your teenager turned into a stranger? Here's five tips to help open those lines of communication again.
In 2019 I wrote a resource guide for Teachers called “Personalities in the Classroom”. When I was a Teacher (I used to teach Secondary English) I noticed so many of my Year 12 students suffering from anxiety and depression. They were perplexed and worried about the future, not sure who to turn to for sound, and unbiased advice. Noticing this, I decided to complete a Graduate Certificate of Career Development and explore the world of personality temperaments and types.
This was 15 years ago. Although I have completed multiple qualifications in personality typing, Personality Dimensions® has won top position in its simplicity, ease of delivery, versatility and engaging techniques. It has been effective and beneficial in, not only a corporate setting, but also for individuals, entire families, parents, and teens.
“Personalities in the Classroom” has sold out BUT there is another in the making, this time with parents in mind. For now, I thought I would give you a brief insight into the top five ways to better engage with your teen based on their personality type.
1. Don't try to change them.
Don’t try to change them, it will frustrate you, annoy them, and inevitably turn pear-shaped. There are predominately four personality types therefore there will be an opposite type for each. If you think of the opposite personalities as being two sides of the same coin, then you will understand that we will naturally be drawn to those who compliment us, our opposite. If you can understand this and be grateful for these differences, then you are more of an understanding and compromising person than most and life is a lot easier. By knowing your child’s personality, you will see the differences in them as plusses and you won’t spend your life wanting them to change. If you try and reshape anyone, you will only end up frustrated.
2. Appreciate their personality type.
3. Help facilitate understanding and get them to do what you’ve asked (yep – you read right)
4. Smile! Don't frown.
5. Remember that it's perfectly common to feel anxious about your child's choices.
Sometimes all parents need is reassurance that what they innately know is right for their child IS right. As I touched on above, all that this particular family wanted was the best for their son. But sometimes parents simply can’t see what is right in front of them.
To find out more about how Personality Dimensions® works for young people and how schools and parents can support them to embrace and not deny their personality for all it is, warts and all, get in touch.
I run workshops and one on one consulting and coaching for families, schools, businesses and individuals looking to better connect with the people around them.