How to help a silent teenager open up?

Question

My nephew is 15-year-old and he's silent most of the time... He fights with his younger brothers all the time. He's a bit withdrawn. He easily talks to his mother but not to his father. How can I help him open up? I really want him to have a good relationship with his dad. Any sugestions or ideas?

Answer 1

Let them do fun things together and build a bond. Then he will feel much more open and willing to explain his feelings. his dad might seem to strict so he may feel he will be told off or he may feel that his dad has no time for him and feels theres no pint explaining to his dad. Get his dad to tell him that he will always be here for him and will always help him if he needs it.. the key is to make his dad as welcoming and easy to talk to as possible..  

Answer 2

talk to him about his interests

then do his interests with him one day

talk about things while together

(ex, he likes baseball, you take him to a game, hence bonding time"

Answer 3

Well my aunts and uncles think I'm withdrawn and fight with my sister all the time, but actually I'm really really chatty and talkative. I just don't open up to grown-ups. I don't trust them. I only trust kids my age or younger. But adults just take everything out of proportion and make everything a huge deal, so I just make small talk with them. A suggestion would be to tell him a secret about yourself, that would help a little. Also be cool about stuff- don't freak out over things and stay calm. Hopefully he'll open up, but he may keep silent. Good luck!

Love Haleigh<3

Answer 4

Maybe he had a childhood trauma involving his father, or older men. This kid reminds me of me. Im 15 too, and i guess you could say im shy and i dont talk much. I try to avoid talking to my dad as best i can. See, he molested me when i was 7. Yet he gets really mad when i dont talk to him, as if he dosnt know why. I love my mom, and ill talk to her openly. Talk to your his father. Ask him what he thinks might be the problem. Maybe its an attention thing. Mayabe he feels like his dad gives his two younger sons more attention. If its a problem like this, it can be overcome over time. But if it was an assult of some form, dont be surprised if he never speaks to his father. What are other characteristics of his? Does he date a lot of girls, or does he shy away? Is he open with his friends? Does he have alot of self confidence? Does he spend alot of time at home? Different things like these help diagnose different problems he might be having. The first three things i listed are things that a sexually assulted teenager might show. If he spends alot of time away from home, and out with friends, it could be that he feels like he isnt getting enough attention with his father, and he is seeking that attention by being out with his friends all the time. Try to do more research connecting his attributes with different problems he might be having. Talk to him, and his father seperatley. Do not accuse the teen of anything, and just let him vent to you. Ask him questions. Do not argue or fight him, just let him vent. Then do the same for his father. Finally have another discussion telling either one what the other said.

Hope I helped!! :] Feel free to email me with further questions.

Answer 5

Fighting with your siblings just happens. If he's introverted, then that's just how he is. You can't really change his personality. Most of the time, teens get along better with a certain parent (I don't have anything against my dad, but I'm just a lot closer with my mom). I have found that watching tv with my family really helps me bond with them...so maybe suggest them to watch tv.