In this week’s episode, I welcome GenZ Career Guide, Jay DuSold back to the podcast. Today’s episode is the 2nd in a two-part series focused on building strong relationships with our teens BEFORE they move out of the house. In part one, Jay and I talked about repairing and reconciling broken relationships. If you have been struggling to make amends with your teen, you may want to go back and listen to episode 61. In this second part, we are focusing on how to begin cultivating a long-term bond with our teens. The goal is to build a strong friendship that will last throughout their adulthood. It all starts with envisioning the relationship you hope to have and it ends with the importance of consistency. There’s a whole lot of steps in between and as always, Jay provides valuable, actionable tips that parents can start applying today.
Part 1, How to Make Things Right When You’ve Blown It With Your Teen is available here.
About Jay DuSold
Jay DuSold has spent decades working with teens and their parents as a speaker, writer, learning experience designer, mentor, and coach. His work as a career guide began in 2014 while helping his own son figure out what to do after high school. He now works with teens around the world, helping them discover their career DNA and identifying careers that they love and stick with so they don’t waste their time, money, or life. Jay lives in Pennsylvania and has been married for 26 years. He and his wife have two sons, now ages 22 and 20.
Episode Highlights
- Envision the relationship you hope to have with your future 20-something
- Begin with the end in mind
- Parents must be intentional
- The fine line between connecting and smothering
- Start seeing your teen as a friendship to cultivate
- 3 steps to get your teen to start seeing you as a friend
- Become a student of who they are and what they are into
- Use their preferred method of communication
- Consistency is key, whether they respond or not
- Learn more from Jay in our Life After 12th Facebook group
Resources
Life After 12th Facebook Group
Tips for Communicating and Cultivating a Friendship with Teens