Sean Brotherson

Questions to
Family Science Specialist
NDSU Extension Service
Explore
on Parent-Teen Relationships

Asking questions about the challenges that teenagers face and how we as adults can help
them grow and develop in healthy ways is critical. Use the following questions to explore how
to parent teenagers and guide your thinking about this topic.

“Teenagers in the 21st Century”

Question: What generation did you grow up in
and what were four trends or issues affecting you Question: What are unhealthy influences of
as a teenager? concern to parents of teens today?
(Example: The 1960s and the civil rights movement) (Example: Drugs, particularly the availability of metham-
phetamine)
_____________________________________
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Question: Can you think about and list four ways
that teenagers today are influenced differently
than when you were growing up?
(Example: Use of cell phones and other technologies
Key 1 – “Connectedness to Parents
that provide constant contact)
and Family”
_____________________________________ Question: What do you do to develop connected-
_____________________________________ ness to your kids?
(Example: Express interest in children’s activities and talk
_____________________________________ to them about their interests)

_____________________________________ _____________________________________

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North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota 58105

JULY 2005
Key 2 – “Parental Expectations Key 4 – “Positive Peer Relationships”
About Behavior” Question: What do you do to help your children
Question: What do you do to establish rules develop positive peer relationships?
and expectations for children? (Example: Get to know the parents of your children’s
(Example: Discuss specific expectations related friends on a personal basis)
to homework and grades)
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“Four Positive Parental Behaviors to

Key 3 – “ Decision Making and Strengthen Relationships with Teens”
Psychological Autonomy” Question: What are some concrete steps you
Question: What do you do to help your children can take to strengthen relationships through each
learn to make good decisions? one of these parental behaviors?
(Example: Encourage independent thinking in resolving • Sharing dinner or other family meal
a concern with a friend)
• Democratic parenting
_____________________________________ • Parental monitoring
• Consistent involvement
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Handout No. 1 – Strengthening Parent-Teen

Relationships in a Challenging World

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