How to Build a Positive Relationship With Your Teen: Strategies for Parents and Caregivers

(Based on “Parent-Caregiver Worksheet: How do I build a positive relationship with my teen”)

Talking to your teen about healthy and unhealthy relationships can feel intimidating. You may worry about saying the wrong thing, making it awkward, or pushing them away. But here’s the truth: your willingness to show up and try matters far more than being perfect.

When you create space for honest conversations, you’re building a foundation of trust that can help your child recognize the signs of both healthy and unhealthy relationships and feel comfortable coming to you when they need support. Here are a few different strategies you can try to get your teen talking.

✨ Spend Time Together

Incorporating family game nights, tech-free dinners and/or 1-on-1 trips with your teen, can build a strong foundation of trust while giving them the space and access to talk to you. It is important that not all of your time spent together is focused on trying to talk about their relationships, creating opportunities for organic conversation is critical.

🎬 Let Media Do the Heavy Lifting

TV shows, movies, and music are filled with examples of both healthy and unhealthy relationship behaviors. Using media as examples helps you talk about tough topics without making it feel too personal. It also gives your teen a chance to share their perspective in a low-pressure way.

🙅 Make it a Judgment-Free Zone

The goal isn’t a lecture—it’s connection. Consider what type of support, comfort and respect you seek in your own relationships. Teens often feel uncomfortable with sharing details and trusting their parents with information that will lead them to feeling judged or embarrassed. Lead with open-ended questions and avoid negative language, punishment, or being overly critical of their decisions or what they are sharing.

🛑 Know Your Limits

Sometimes your child may need support beyond what you can provide and that’s okay. Being a trusted adult doesn’t mean having all the answers. It means knowing when to lean on other resources and reassuring your teen that they’re not alone.

🤸 Be Flexible

What works for one parent and teen might not work for another. You may need to try different approaches before you find what feels natural for both you and your teen. Stay patient, keep experimenting, and remember that consistency is what matters most.

Final Thoughts

These conversations might feel awkward at first, but every attempt strengthens your connection with your child. By spending time together, keeping the tone respectful and light, and showing up consistently, you’re helping your teen learn how to spot the signs of healthy and unhealthy relationships and reminding them that they’ll always have your support.

For more guidance visit our Trusted Adult Resource page.