Ask Curious Questions by Fern Weis, Parent + Family Recovery Coach

Do you ask your teen a question and then jump in with all the answers and options?

If so, you're depriving them of opportunities to think for themselves.

Here's an Emotional Intelligence tip for you. To build their EQ and problem-solving muscles, ask curious questions instead:

* What has worked for you before?

* Who can you ask for help?

* What might your next step be?

* What do you need right now?

* What do you want me to know about this?

You do want them to be confident and capable, don't you? To know themselves? Provide opportunities to build those skills. This is often more important than successfully reaching their goal.

Be the guide, not the fixer. P.S. - There's more support at the "Raising Teenagers: Where Parents Learn How to Talk to Their Teens" membership.

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Fern Weis | Parent + Family Recovery Coach

Fern Weis is a certified life coach who learned that caring and good intentions are not enough in parenting. In fact, they are often the problem! Fern supports parents of teens and young adults who are going through difficult situations, including addiction recovery. She helps parents release guilt, end enabling and confidently prepare their children to thrive through life's challenges. Her articles are featured in Thrive Global, Medium, Motherly, The Teen Mentor, and Bergen County Moms.

Learn more about coaching and classes at www.fernweis.com. And then download your free guide, "Five Powerful Steps to Get Your Teen to Talk." For information on Family Recovery programs, visit www.familyrecoverypartners.com.