The best way to get your teenager to talk to you is to talk to them, and talk to them about things that they like, things that they are doing. I try to be very funny with my kids. I think I have a great sense of humor and my sons are very funny as well. And I think that if you explain to them that what they are going through was something that you have gone through when you were a teenager, I think that helps. They don't really get it yet, but I think it really helps for them to open up. Or if you have an example of somebody else you know, oh their son didn't study enough for this test and they did poorly. But they went to the teacher and spoke to them and participated in class and they were able to get their grade up without telling them you need to this, you need to do that, this is going to make it better. Just give them examples of ways that life can be easier for them.