5 Ways to Connect with your Teen Son

This post is sponsored by Unilever and all opinions are my own.

I love being a boy mom. My boys are very chill and keep me on the go. My teenager and I have an amazing relationship and I am truly honored that he is so open with me. I had to learn that once he became a teenager, his needs changed. That was kind hard for me considering he’s my first born. But, I got it now and things are going great. These are a few things I have learned about raising a teenage boy and how you can better connect with your teen son.

Talk to Him and And Listen to His Thoughts

An important thing to note is that teenagers communicate differently, especially boys. While I am super expressive and love going in depth with how I feel and my opinions, my son is much more reserved. That took me by surprise lol. 

I love sitting with him, specifically over food, and having conversations about his life and everything he has going on. I have learned to let him lead and listen to him in multiple different ways. He will light up with joy in certain moments, extends certain conversations, or ask my opinion on things. That shows me that he is open and willing to talk about those topics. Those are the times I listen closest. 

When your son shows interest in a topic or is willing to talk in depth allow him to and let him continue to lead the conversation. You will learn so much about him. During these times he will be much more open to communicate. Ask him questions, listen tentatively and take note for later. 

Take Interest in His Passion

One thing about me is I’m my son’s number one fan. My son plays basketball and has for the last 6 years. I’m the loud mom in the audience cheering for every little thing he does and filming the whole thing. I practice at the park with him, watch games with him and support him however he needs me to. Even though I’ve always been a sports fan, the goal is to let him know that what he loves is important to me too. I want to be a part of what he has going on.

As parents we sometimes have hopes for our kids lives and have these ideas of who we want them to be. I’ve found it more beneficial to allow them to lead. Take interest in his passion, he will let you in and you may find yourself learning a lot about him and yourself in the process.

Encourage Him to Make His Own Decisions

For as long as he’s been alive I’ve been picking my son’s clothing, haircuts, bedding, everything. I mean naturally right. My son finally expresses interest in making his own decisions regarding these things. He starting with his personal hygiene items. He loves to use Dove Men+Care products and Degree Advanced Protection deodorant. 

Degree Men’s Advanced Protection Antiperspirant deodorant is designed to keep him dry. The MotionSense® technology is working every time he moves. It provides up to 48 hours of protection against sweat and body odor which means it stays active all day. And that is perfect for active teens.

He likes the Dove Men+Care Body and Face Bar because the smell is amazing, has great foaming action and doesn’t leave his skin feeling dry.
I like it because it’s dermatologically tested and leaves him feeling confident after using it.

I love buying it in bulk for him at Sam’s Club because he goes through so much of it being an athlete. The online shopping and pickup at Sam’s is super convenient for a busy mom like me. No worries with unloading all the kids to go inside. It’s a win win situation.

After the grooming products he is trying new hairstyles and choosing his own clothes and shoes.

Letting your teenager make his own decisions with these small things will help him to make better decisions when it comes to life altering things. Hear his opinion, challenge his opinion, guide him in the decision but ultimately let him choose. This is how you cultivate respect between one another.

Create Fun Memories with Your Teenager

I love hanging out with my son. I feel like the coolest mom on the block when my teenager wants to spend time with me. We play sports, watch sports and do fun activities together. More recently we went wall climbing and it was amazing. I fell many times and my son thought it was hilarious. I didn’t, but nonetheless, it was good old fashion fun.

Spend time doing things your son wants do. Don’t always force you ideas on to him.  Let him choose. You’ll find that his idea of fun will be much different than what you had in mind, and that’s okay.

Being a teen boy mom is the best! They require a different way of communicating sometimes but ultimately they are so loving and fun.