How to connect with a teenager | Paul Lewis | TEDxBollington

You may have lived together for years and be related by blood, but are there moments when your teenage son or daughter appears to be a different species? If so, this talk may provide the tips and techniques you need to communicate effectively with your offspring, students or young people in general.

Paul Lewis has over 18 years’ experience working with young people from a range of backgrounds – ex-offenders and the homeless, to those excluded from mainstream education and the long-term unemployed. His work has taught him the value of humility and learning from the lives of others.

This talk was delivered at TEDxBollington on 16 June 2019 and was curated by Sara Knowles. The theme was ‘The Art of Connection’ and is inspired by Bollington’s community - it draws upon how we connect with others, the landscape, our past, present and future. Connections and contrasts inspire and define us as a community. Our speakers convey the art of connection through diverse forms such as communication, design, science, mindfulness, mental health and wellbeing through to the environment and technology.
Paul is passionate about re-thinking inter-generational communication and believes passionately in how we can have more constructive interactions with teenagers through ‘little wins.’ In his talk he will share stories and explore how we can connect with teenagers as parents, grandparents, youth workers and teachers and as a community. This belief has developed from over 18 years’ experience working with young people from a range of settings and backgrounds, including ex-offenders, care leavers, the homeless, those excluded from mainstream education and the long term unemployed. His work has taught him the value of humility learning from the lives of others. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx