Advice

6 Ways to Get Teen Boys to Open Up and Engage In Deeper Conversation

Published

11 months ago

April 19, 2025

Encourage non-verbal forms of communication

Teens may not always feel comfortable expressing their emotions verbally, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t communicating in other ways. Encourage your son to express himself through art, music, writing, or physical activities like sports. These outlets can provide a safe space for him to process his feelings without the pressure of talking about them directly.

6. Be patient and persistent

Building trust and open communication with a teenage boy takes time. Be patient and persistent in your efforts to encourage deeper conversations. Keep showing up, listening without judgment, and offering support. Eventually, your son may start to feel more comfortable opening up and sharing his thoughts and feelings with you.

Embrace Texting

Instead of finding questions on your kid’s phone annoying, consider the benefits of texting as a powerful way to have conversations with boys. According to Dr. Damour, as long as kids are talking about their feelings, the medium of communication doesn’t matter. Texting allows for asynchronous communication, giving your kid time to think through their responses before replying.

Texting can be a casual way to check in with your son without putting him on the spot. By leaving conversations open-ended, you create a safe space for him to respond when he’s ready. Remember not to take bad moods personally, as teenagers can be moody and may snap out of it quickly. It’s essential to be kind and understanding, making room for the possibility that their mood has nothing to do with you.

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Helping Teens Manage Stress and Anxiety: Dr. Lisa Damour