Even though my kids are young, I feel like I have a teenager (or two) sometimes. Especially, when I'm talking to my oldest and he tells me I don't listen to him when I actually listen to everything he says. That stings. My biggest fear is my kids grow up and don't want to talk to me about their problems, issues, or struggles. Honestly, I was beginning to feel like my 8-year-old wasn't opening up to me like he used to. Whenever I feel like I am struggling with parenting or not getting through to my kids, I always reach out to moms who have been there and done that. I reached out to a mother and grandmother that has over 30 years of experience with working with families for this problem. My friend Maria, from The Moms I know Podcast. In the latest episode of the podcast, Maria shares: Practical tips for communicating with your teenThe best way to respond when your teenager or big kid opens up to youWhen you should leave your child alone and when to interveneHelpful advice on communication with your teenagerOne big takeaway is when my kids are talking to me about their problems, I need to listen carefully and not make fun of them or laugh at their problems. This seems simple, but it's a reminder that everyone wants to feel validated and not judged when they are opening up. If you have a teenager (or big kid) that you need a little help with communication with, this episode is for you. ABOUT MARIA Maria is an educator, mother, grandmother, and podcaster with over thirty years of experience in working with families.  She is passionate about empowering moms to make conscious choices and supporting them to find joy and fulfillment in their parenting journey. CONNECT WITH  MARIA Blog/Website: http://thefutureoffamily.comFacebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thefutureoffamilyInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/thefutureoffamilyPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/cookthestorySchedule a Clarity Call with Maria: https://mariafahrner.as.me/schedule.phpSHOW NOTES FOR THIS EPISODE: https://www.realhappymom.com/149 REAL HAPPY MOM INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/realhappymom  REAL HAPPY MOM COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/groups/realhappymom Sign up for my weekly newsletter and get 9 mom’s secret hacks for living a happy and productive life. Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/realhappymom)