Adolescents want to know if, as adults, we are struggling over the same concerns they are. If we are doing most of the talking, we're talking too much. When it is your turn to speak, watch your language. We order, warn, nag, threaten and preach to our teens to try to teach them to be more responsible and more sensible. However, this can backfire and actually encourage our teens to be less responsible and less sensible.
Teens are more likely to be responsible and follow our wishes if they feel accepted.
Speaking politely conveys acceptance. Also, catching teens doing the things we want and praising them for it fosters feelings of acceptance. You must really like those subjects. Adolescents like to try out their arguing skills. If you get angry and yell or scream, this is an ideal time for them to practice.