df
NO NAGGING REQUIRED Connecting with teens can feel like navigating a maze. One minute, they’re chatty, the next, they retreat into their rooms or scroll endlessly on their phones. As a parent, you may wonder: How do I get them to open up? The secret often lies not in giving advice or nagging, but in asking the right questions that show you genuinely want to understand their world. ASK ABOUT THEIR INNER WORLD. Teens crave connection and validation, even when it doesn’t seem like it. Instead of asking the usual “How was school?” try questions that invite reflection and honesty. For example, ask, “What’s something you wish adults understood better about your life?” This simple question allows them to share feelings they usually keep hidden and shows you’re willing to listen without judgment.
THE TRUTH ABOUT PARK
LOOKING BEYOND THE FE
If you spend enough time in parking lots, you will see a wreck sooner or later. Most of the time, people shrug them off. There is this idea that a parking lot crash is always a “little fender bender” and, therefore, not a big deal. In my experience, that’s not always true. People can get seriously hurt, and liability can still be a real fight.
One thing that makes these cases harder is where they happen. Many lots are private property. Police may not come out at all, and if they do, they may not write a formal report or give anyone a ticket. Without that report, there is nothing “official” saying who was at fault. That gives insurance companies an excuse to act like the case is not serious or that fault is unclear.
On top of that, there’s a bias in the community. People hear “parking lot accident” and picture a low-speed tap in the grocery store lot. I’ve had cases where the driver was going around 30 miles an hour through the lot and caused a bad wreck. I’ve also seen drivers blow right through stop signs in front of stores or cut across lanes without looking. Pedestrians get hit in these situations, too. Someone is almost always at fault. The trick is proving it.
EXPLORE THEIR DREAMS AND AMBITIONS.
Teens want to envision their futures beyond homework and social pressures. Questions like “How do you picture your life five years from now?” or “If fear weren’t a factor, what risk would you take?” encourage them to dream and explore possibilities safely. These conversations show you care about their goals and give them room to imagine who they want to become. NOTICE THE SMALL THINGS. Sometimes, connection is in the details. Ask questions such as “What’s a small thing that always makes your day better?” or “What’s your favorite memory of us together?” These moments let your teen know you notice and value the little joys in their life, which can strengthen your bond in subtle and powerful ways. GIVE THEM A VOICE. Teens want to feel heard in family life, too. Questions like “If you could change one rule in our house, which would it be?” or “What’s something you wish we did together more often?” make them feel respected and involved in decisions that affect them. SHOW LOVE AND ENCOURAGEMENT. Finally, ask questions that reinforce trust and emotional safety. “Do you know how proud I am of you?” or “What’s something I do that makes you feel loved?” express affirmation and support, reminding them they are seen and valued. The key is to ask without pressure, listen without interrupting, and let the conversation flow naturally. These questions aren’t meant to draw out perfect answers, but rather to create connection, understanding, and a space where your teen feels truly known. Start small, stay genuine, and watch your relationship grow in meaningful ways.
SUDOKU
SOLUTION ON PG. 4
2 • ClarkHarmonsonAttorney.com
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator