MANHATTAN, Kan. – Talking with teens may not be an easy task for parents, and therefore a duty often ignored. K-State Research and Extension specialist Elaine Johannes said talking with teens is necessary for their continued health and well-being. She provides these tips:

* Talk often. Conversations about violence should be ongoing, with lots of give and take. There are no easy answers.

* Look for chances to talk. Use news items, movies, music, etc. Bring up the topic often.

* Don’t lecture or use scare tactics. Your teen will respond better if treated with respect. Approach the topic as something you want to work on together.

* Be respectful. Listen carefully. Encourage your child to share ideas, fears and concerns.

* When you don’t know the answer, say so. Work together to find out what you need to know.

* Listen carefully. Don’t interrupt. Ask questions to make sure you understand your teen’s point of view.

* Be patient if your teen doesn’t want to talk. Bring up the topic informally another time.

* Don’t be overly critical of the TV shows, movies and music your teen likes, but do provide direction when necessary. Your goal is not to change your teen’s taste but to help him or her think about the messages about violence he or she is watching and listening to.

* Suggest positive ways to deal with the problem of violence.