If you are a parent, you probably understand the value of maintaining open communication with your kids. But getting there is not always easy – for parents, or for kids themselves.
There are a lot of concrete things parents can do to have better conversations with kids and teens. Building trust and communication is really important, and it’s an ongoing process.
Here are some tips:
• Let your kids know you are safe to talk to. Explicitly tell them that you’re open to talking about the tough stuff and that there’s nothing they could say that would damage your relationship.
• Make space for organic opportunities to communicate. Instead of sitting your child down and saying “let’s have a talk,” spend time together at a shared activity (like going out for lunch, taking a walk, shopping, or driving somewhere in the car) where the conversation is more likely to arise naturally.
• When your child does bring something up, it’s okay not to have all of the answers. You’re not expected to.
• Don’t make assumptions about what your child is experiencing. This shuts down the conversation and is a missed opportunity. Instead, ask questions, show you’re interested and give your child your full attention before jumping in.
• If you know your child is dealing with a specific issue, perhaps it’s time to talk to a professional, such as a school counselor, or your family healthcare professional.
