How to talk with teens
Rapidly changing teen slang is a normal part of the growing-up process and something parents should try to accept, says Dove Self-Esteem Project expert Dr Christina Berton. “As your child grows, they will be constantly trying to find ways to define their own personality and mark out their independence,” she explains. “Part of this is about setting themselves apart from their parents – and having a ‘private’ language between them and their friends is one way of doing this.”
This doesn’t mean you have to be excluded though. As their parent, you need to let them know you’re willing to talk and are interested in what’s going on in their life. Rather than being judgemental, be someone they can look to for wisdom and advice. And make sure the lines of communication are always open.
Do u no txt spk?
Decipher your child’s text lingo with our handy guide:
YOLO = you only live once
TTYL= talk to you later
LOL = laugh out loud
ROFL = rolling on floor laughing
IRL = in real life
Awks = embarrassing
Jokes = funny
Totes = very
Hench, buff = attractive, of boys
Sick = good
Salty, hot, peng, fit = attractive, of both sexes