Talking to Teens Difficult

Introduction

December holidays. Some people are at great aunt’s home in Miss-Lou in America or grandparents’ house in York Mills Ontario, if they did not eat and run on Christmas Day but, it’s quiet. Nobody is talking.

Parents all over the world have always found it difficult to talk to kids. The phone has exacerbated the situation. Kids prefer talking to the screen not humans, especially humans who banned Tik Tok. Parents just have to be creative to initiate communication.

Use Boxes to Start Conversation With Teens

What is in boxes in the basement, attic or garage was once used by somebody. They have sentimental value. That is why families do not sell them in yard sales or donate them.

“Sean, what’s in that box over there?

“Don’t know Uncle. Should I open it?

“Sure son. Why not?

Despite Google, teenagers don’t know everything. There are experiences that are in old boxes, not online. Depending where Sean is, those boxes might have photo albums, old phones, vinyl records, music cassettes, dresses and jackets, newspaper clippings, army uniforms, graduation robes, baseball cards, DVD’s, and photos of a woman who looks like a nun. 

Yes. There’s a story behind how she became a nun and nobody talks about her. As for all the other items, they have stories too and are related to Sean’s phone. 

By opening those boxes, he will become animated and start shouting.  

Cool! Awesome! Uncle this is dope!

By: Nonqaba waka Msimang.