Effective communication between parents and adolescents plays a crucial role in supporting the emotional and mental development of children. A strong, open relationship between the two helps to build trust, strengthen family bonds, and ensure that teens feel heard and understood.
To facilitate this, parents must create an environment conducive to open dialogue, where their children feel comfortable sharing their feelings, concerns, and opinions.
Prof. Dr. dr. Tjhin Wiguna, Sp.KJ(K), Head of the Psychiatric Division of Children and Youth at the Department of Mental Health, FKUI Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM), stresses that active communication and mutual respect are fundamental in nurturing a healthy relationship between parents and their teenage children.
“Active communication means that both parties listen and respect each other’s viewpoints,” Prof. Tjhin explained in a statement to ANTARA.
He emphasizes that parents should adopt an open attitude and refrain from judging their children’s opinions too quickly. This approach encourages teenagers to speak more freely, especially about the challenges they may be facing.
Equally important is the ability of parents to maintain emotional control and stay calm during disagreements. This ensures that communication remains positive and constructive.
According to Prof. Tjhin, parents can improve their communication patterns by regularly reflecting on their interactions with their children. Adolescence marks a critical period where children begin to develop more abstract thinking skills and acquire a deeper understanding of the world.
Thus, parents are encouraged to use this phase to foster more meaningful and thoughtful conversations.
“Building a close relationship with your children from an early age helps in recognizing signs of discomfort they may express later on,” he added.
Prof. Tjhin also highlights the importance of guiding teenagers in making wise decisions, particularly when they are exposed to difficult choices or negative influences from their surroundings. Moral education, starting from a young age and continuing through adolescence, plays an integral role in helping children distinguish between right and wrong.
“The moral foundation built from early childhood through adolescence equips children with the necessary values to make informed decisions,” he noted.
He further stresses that parents must actively participate in their children’s decision-making process. By offering guidance through constructive discussions, parents can help their children understand the consequences of their choices. The support of both family and school environments is key to reinforcing these moral values consistently.
“Both schools and homes are pivotal in instilling moral education. Parents must continue to accompany their children, guiding them toward making the right choices for themselves,” Prof. Tjhin concluded.
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