Does Your Teen Freeze Up In Social Interactions? Hereās How You Can Help!
If your teen struggles with starting or maintaining conversations, they’re not alone. Many teens feel awkward in social settings, especially when they don’t know what to say.
Communication coach Preston Ni suggests teaching your introverted teen these 3 simple phrases to help them kickstart conversations:
1. "How did you get involved in...?"
Encourage them to ask open-ended questions like this one. It helps go beyond surface-level small talk and find common ground with others.
2. "That's interesting. Tell me more!"
This phrase shows genuine curiosity and keeps the conversation flowing naturally, allowing them to dive deeper into a topic.
3. "Let me think for a moment..."
Sometimes teens need a moment to gather their thoughts. This phrase gives them the space to do so while showing respect for the conversation.
A Few More Tips to Ease Your Teen’s Social Discomfort
š Role-play different scenarios with your teen to help them feel more comfortable using these expressions in real-life situations. Practice can make a huge difference!
š Model these phrases in your own conversations. When you use them during family discussions, your teen can see firsthand how they work and learn from your example.
š Acknowledge their efforts. If your teen tries to engage with others, celebrate those moments. Positive reinforcement can boost their confidence and encourage more social interaction.
š Teach them the power of listening. By genuinely listening to others, your teen will learn how to keep conversations going and build stronger connections.
These simple tools not only reduce social awkwardness but also help teens develop empathy and understanding. With a little practice and support, your teen can learn to navigate social interactions with ease and confidence.
