Psychiatry & Therapy for Michigan: In-person and Online Telehealth
1309 S. Linden Rd. Suite C, Flint, MI 48532 | 8285 S. Saginaw St., STE 102, Grand Blanc, MI 48439 | 8949 Dixie Hwy., Clarkston, MI 48348 |1202 Walton Blvd., STE 210, Rochester Hills, MI 48307 | (810) 626-5191

info@gieskencounseling.com | (810) 626-5191

Empowering Your Mental Health Journey With Integrated Care

Flint Township, Grand Blanc, Clarkston, & Rochester Hills, MI

(810) 626-5191 Contact GCS: Online Form

Tips to Help Bond with Your Teen

teens parenting
Posted: February 27, 2026

When our children are young, they come to us, it seems, innumerable times throughout the day wanting to share something with us. An idea they had, a discovery, questions about life. At times these visits aren’t so helpful or desired, like when we’re on an important conference call or having… private time with our spouse.

But we should savor each and every interaction we have with our kids, because eventually they grow up to be teenagers and want nothing to do with us!

Okay, not exactly. But kind of. Which is why it’s important we work hard to keep the bond and channels of communication open with our teens.

If you feel you’ve lost the connection with your teen, here are some ways to form a bond:

Listen

When your teen does speak with you, really pay attention. Teens are notorious for communicating things that don’t match up with the words they are using. Read between the lines and pay close attention to body language.

Create Rituals

Right now it’s about quality not quantity. You won’t be able to get all of their time and attention you want. So figure out little rituals and ways to connect. That may mean hitting the golf range on the weekend or going out for pizza night, just you and your kid, or having a spa day at home.

Support Their Hobbies

The teen years are when you child begins to recognize their own unique gifts and interests. So it’s important that you take an interest in what they love to do. Make time in your schedule to go to their game or band concert. If they like mountain biking, go biking with them. Support their hobbies as much as possible.

Ask Them to Teach You Something

Nothing will give your teen more pride and confidence than showing they know something that you don’t. It could be something as simple as showing you how to set up a TikTok account or how to order something from Alexa, or something more complex like how to play the guitar or build a robot.

Your kids will be out of the house before you know it. Take the time and make the effort to bond with your teen now.

Visit our Child & Teen Mental Health Service page for more information.

SOURCES:

https://www.ahaparenting.com/read/tips-bond-close-teen

https://www.parents.com/kids/teens/questions-for-teens-to-help-you-bond/

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/surprising-tricks-to-help_n_6278070

logo

(810) 626-5191
info@gieskencounseling.com

8949 Dixie Highway
Clarkston, MI 48348

By submitting this form via this web portal, you acknowledge and accept the risks of communicating your health information via this unencrypted email and electronic messaging and wish to continue despite those risks. By clicking "Yes, I want to submit this form" you agree to hold Brighter Vision harmless for unauthorized use, disclosure, or access of your protected health information sent via this electronic means.

Begin your healing journey today!

Schedule a FREE 15-minute consultation, appointment, or feel free to ask a question.

(810) 626-5191 Contact GCS: Online Form

Integrated Mental Health Care for Children and Teens Awaits

Worried about your child’s mental health? We’re here to support your family.

At Giesken Counseling Services, our experienced therapists and psychiatric nurse practitioners specialize in helping children and teens manage anxiety, depression, ADHD, and more. We offer therapy and medication management services—all under one roof—for a seamless, compassionate approach to care.

Read GCS Reviews

Serving Flint Twp., Grand Blanc, Clarkston, and Rochester Hills, MI, we offer in-person and online telehealth to fit your life.

Online Telehealth Therapy and mental health medication management are available to all Michigan Residents.

  • *Intake for medication management MUST BE IN-PERSON.  After initial intake, online/telehealth appointments may be available if desired.

📞 Call us at (810) 626-5191 or fill out our contact form to ask a question, schedule your FREE 15-minute *THERAPY consultation, or book an appointment.

You don’t have to do this alone. Let’s take the first step together.

Reviews

Client Reviews

Our partners love working with us!
Read More Reviews Leave GCS a Google Review

"All three of my children, including one of their significant others, attend Giesken Counseling, and I can't thank Giesken enough! The help that all of them have received over the years has made a tremendously beneficial impact on the quality of their lives. As a family, we ALL highly recommend Giesken Counseling!"

Google Review

“Our school partnered with Giesken this year to run a grief group. They have been excellent to work with - very supportive and willing to come and lead the group right away! I had a really great experience working with David Turner who facilitated the group. He was always prompt, willing to debrief and implement changes based on students' feedback. He was also flexible to come to our buildings for the group sessions at different times to accommodate students' schedules. We received such great feedback from students who found comfort & support from having this type of group with other students during school hours. We can't thank David and Giesken Counseling enough!”

Google Review

"Our grandson has been visiting one of the wonderful counselors at GCS for the last three months, and we couldn’t be happier! It’s heartwarming to see his smile coming back, and he’s enjoying more happy days. Plus, he’s doing a great job managing his emotions. We’re so thankful our daughter discovered GCS for him!"

Google Review

“A loved one saw David. David's patient manner and demeanor were a perfect match. Patient /counselor worked together to develop goals, evaluating progress and roadblocks during sessions. David ensured my loved one felt their treatment plan was their own, ensuring autonomy and respect, building confidence, and providing helpful counsel to specific challenges.”

Google Review

"With a multitude of counselors under their roof, Giesken Counseling will no doubt have the best fit person to speak with you no matter the specific need at hand. Their office is truly compassionate and genuinely committed to helping their clients work through the obstacles they are facing. It's a safe and non-judgmental environment where you will feel comfortable opening up about your needs, concerns, and struggles."

Google Review

“I have been seeing Jessica P. at Giesken Counseling for the better part of a year now, and I cannot recommend her enough! She is wonderful and has helped me immensely as I navigate all the things that come after welcoming a new baby. The office staff are also always friendly as well, and it was very easy to try another counselor (Jessica) when I first started with Giesken after the first person I saw was not a good fit.”

Google Review

I love Laurie and Julia and all the office staff are so sweet! 10/10 recommend!

Google Review

I had the opportunity to refer someone to the GCS Rochester Hills location - the process was smooth for both myself and the client. Cannot recommend this agency enough - wish there were more stars!

Google Review

NP Katie really listens to me and asks questions to fully understand my needs and makes adjustments as applicable. I feel comfortable and heard here.

Google Review

Blogs

GCS Newsletter Mailing List

We invite you to join our quarterly GCS Newsletter mailing list. Our newsletter features mental health awareness, tips, and helpful resources to support your journey towards better mental health. 

Join GCS Newsletter Mailing List