Why Doesn’t My Teen Listen to Me Anymore?

This Complex Life

Have you ever asked your teen a question, only to be met with silence or a shrug? It’s frustrating, right? This is a common concern for parents. I hear this concern a lot.

In this episode, I’m answering this common question I get from parents ‘’why won’t my teen talk to me?”

I’ve heard so many parents share that they feel disconnected or rejected when their child turns to friends instead of them for support or advice. But here's the thing, t’s completely normal for teens to gravitate towards their peers, though that doesn’t make it any less painful for parents.

In this episode, I’ll be covering the most common mistakes that cause communication breakdowns and offering strategies to help rebuild that connection. You don’t have to feel stuck in a cycle of miscommunication. By making a few adjustments, it’s possible to create a space where your teen feels safe and comfortable opening up again.

• Fixing problems isn’t always the answer. Teens often just want to feel heard and understood.
• Too many solutions can overwhelm your teen and make them feel as if you don’t trust them.
• Judging or criticising, even about their friends, can shut down communication.
• Let your teen make mistakes—this builds resilience and trust.
• The shift from being a “manager” to a “consultant” and offering guidance without controlling.

Quotes:

• "People often don’t want their problems fixed. They just want to be heard, empathised with, and validated."
• "Frequent judgment ruptures that connection. And remember, connection is one of the most important things for a relationship."
• "Resilience comes from actually falling down, dusting yourself off, and getting back up—both physically and metaphorically."

Resources:

• Free eBook: My Teen Won’t Talk to Me
• Connected Teens™ Parenting Course

If you’re struggling with teen communication, this episode offers practical advice to help you reconnect with your child, even when it feels like you’re drifting apart.

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