◾Discover practical parenting advice for when teenagers stop listening. Learn how to rebuild respect, restore communication, and guide your teen with patience.

Not long ago, a brother came to me looking worried. He sighed and said, “My teenage son doesn’t listen to me anymore. When I talk, he ignores me, when i advise him, he gets angry. I feel like I’m losing my child”.

I listened to him carefully and then shared these words of advise.

◾Why Teenagers Stop Listening

I told him, “My brother, teenagers are at a stage where they want independence. They no longer see themselves as children, yet they are not fully adults. This confusion sometimes makes them rebel against authority – even the authority of their own parents. But it doesn’t mean they don’t love you, it means they are searching for their voice”.

◾The Dangers of Poor Communication With Teens.

I explained further:

*Distance Grows Quickly – If you shout too much, your teenager will stop sharing his thoughts with you.

*Bad Influencers Take Over: when kids feel parents don’t understand them, they turn to friends or social media media for advise.

*Respect Begins to Fade: Without guidance, teens may see parents only as controllers, not mentors.

◾My Advise to Him

1. Listen Before you Speak

I told him, “don’t always rush to correct your son. Just sit with him and listen.Even if his words don’t make sense, show him you care about his feelings”.

2. Avoid Harsh Language

Shouting or insulting pushes teenagers away. Speak with firmness but kindness. Respect grows when correction comes with love, not anger.

3. Spend Time Together

Find activities you can do together-sports, walking, cooking, or even watching a movie. Teenagers open up more when they feel relaxed.

4. Be a Role Model

I reminded him, “Your son is watching you closely, if want him to be respectful, show respect at home. If you want him to worship God, let him see you worship God. Actions guide teenagers more than words”.

5. Set Boundaries With Love

Freedom is important, but teenagers still need rules. Set clear boundaries-about friends, gadgets, and responsibilities-but explained the reasons behind them.

◾Conclusion

I ended with these words: “My brother, do not give up on your son. Teenagers may push you away, but deep down, they need your love and guidance. If you remain patient, consistent, and gentle, your son will return to you with respect and trust.