ParenTeen Kenya

27/09/2025

We had a fun and informative session with students from Nova Pioneer. Thank you PsychoAfrica Solutions for trusting our psychologist to deliver.

22/09/2025

12/08/2025

Understanding what creates distance between you and your teen is the first step toward bridging the gap.

These barriers often develop gradually and can be addressed with awareness and effort.

The following outlines the most common communication barriers and why they happen from either a parent’s or a teen’s perspective.

Barrier

Different Communication Styles

Parents often prefer direct, solution-focused conversations, while teens need time to process and may communicate through hints or emotions rather than clear statements.

Generational Differences

Technology, social media, and cultural changes create gaps in understanding each other’s experiences and perspectives.

Fear of Judgment

Teens worry their parents will overreact, lecture, or impose consequences, so they avoid sharing sensitive topics altogether.

Feeling Misunderstood

When teens feel their parents don’t “get” their world or dismiss their concerns as trivial, they stop trying to explain.

Lack of Privacy

Teens need space to develop independence, but parents sometimes struggle to give them appropriate boundaries.

Different Priorities

Parents focus on long-term goals, such as grades and college, while teens are more concerned with immediate social and emotional needs.

These barriers aren’t anyone’s fault, but recognizing them helps you adjust your approach.

When you understand why communication breaks down, you can start building bridges instead of walls.

Top Parental Tip: Reflect on your teen’s silence and consider whether it may be related to one or more of the areas mentioned above. Then start working on one at a time.