It might be where you're going wrong, according to a psychiatrist. AdvertisementBut there is one innocent mistake parents might be making in the teenage years, according to a child psychiatrist – especially if you want them to be able to open up to you. That’s how you learn what they’re really thinking, and how they learn that you’re really listening.” In a separate video, the psychiatrist said one of the things that makes a successful parent is “listening more than lecturing”. AdvertisementTherapists previously told HuffPost UK that creating a space that feels emotionally safe and low-pressured is important to help teens open up – especially if you think they might be struggling mentally.