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Holding conversations with teenagers where they actually open up and share about their personal lives can be difficult. In this episode, Chris and Karlie share some practical advice for talking to teenagers (and getting them to talk back). Instead of panicking about what they aren’t telling you, learn to start asking better questions!
In this episode, you’ll find out…
What you can do to better talk and communicate with teenagers.
How to stop teens from confiding in you.
Why being a good-listener is so important.
How to construct better questions.
Indicators of when you need to follow your intuition and ask more questions.
Practical things you can try today to improve communication with teenagers.
Ask yourself…
Am I shock-proof? What steps can I take to become even more shock-proof?
How can I better communicate that I am trustworthy in times of crisis?
When do the teenagers I interact with want to talk? Am I available at those times?
Teenagers need to know there is a safe place where they can go to share difficulties and struggles.
Go ask a teen…
A few questions from this article!
Where did you struggle today?
What did you do good today?
Links & Resources:
- Blog Post: “How to Stop Teens from Confiding in You”
- Article: “28 Ways to Ask Your Teens ‘How Was School Today?’ Without Asking Them ‘How Was School Today?'”
- Book: Leadership Coaching: The Disciplines, Skills, and Heart of a Christian Coach by Tony Stoltzfus
- Website: dontpanicpodcast.org
- Music: Under the Chandeliers
Don’t forget to subscribe! Find us on YouTube or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Have a question or a topic you’d love to hear about? Reach out on social media or email us at podcast@teenlife.ngo.

Karlie Duke
Communications Director

Chris Robey
Former CEO
Chris Robey | Former CEO
Chris has spent most of his career empowering teenagers from all backgrounds. As the former leader of Teen Life, he is passionate about helping students make good choices while also giving adults the tools they need to communicate more effectively with teens. Chris is a graduate of Midwestern State University and holds a Master’s Degree in Family Life Education from Lubbock Christian University.
Karlie Duke | Director of Communications
Karlie has always had a heart for teenagers. Through her role at Teen Life, she loves to showcase the amazing stories coming out of Support Groups, but she is especially passionate about helping adults and teenagers find connection. Karlie has a BS in Communications with a minor in Family Studies from Abilene Christian University.