The psychologist talked about ways to establish contact with a teenager.

The transition age of a child is a stage of significant changes and trials not only for him, but also for his parents. Psychologist and hypnotherapist Olga Siverchenko told Izvestia about ways to establish contact with a teenager on March 1.

For children aged 11-17, communication becomes crucial, as during this period they are looking for themselves, defining their values and hobbies, and building many new social connections. Contact with parents remains important, but needs to be adapted. During this period, there is a risk of losing an emotional connection with the child, the psychologist explained.

"Try to treat your child as your best friend, whom you are happy to see, in order to recharge with positive energy and openness. Such meetings will help a teenager to feel support and trust," Siverchenko said.

According to her, teenagers often question things that were previously familiar to them. Such questions may seem challenging to parents, but this is a natural part of personality formation, the expert emphasized. She advised to communicate with the teenager on equal terms, sharing personal experiences and opinions, providing arguments, but most importantly — listening to the child.

"A teenager has his own secrets, and if he doesn't want to tell you about them, let them remain his secrets, but within reasonable limits," the psychologist emphasized.

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She added that during this period it is important to support the child's hobbies, as well as his choice of a future profession, otherwise there is a risk of losing trust.

In addition, the psychologist reminded that an equal dialogue with parents is important for teenagers. She advised to avoid moralizing and comparing the child with others. According to her, it is worth building a relationship with him on the basis of friendship. Time spent together is also valuable. This is necessary to maintain a close relationship, as well as so that parents can find out in time and try to help the teenager in case of any problems, concluded Siverchenko.

On February 11, Svetlana Mikhailova, a specialist in socially significant projects "Where are my children", told Izvestia about ways to protect a child from bullying on the Internet. She noted that it is important to discuss the existence of such a problem with him and to say that it is absolutely normal to contact a parent in such a situation. If bullying occurs in the game or in the application, then you should notify the support service and immediately block the abusers, the expert recommended.