Communication Skills

This chapter is an in-depth exploration of communication between parents and teens. This foundation becomes important when difficult topics like depression, substance use, or family conflict need to be discussed. Communication strategies, including open-ended questioning, validation, empathy, and optimal timing, are detailed. The chapter illustrates why lecturing and immediate problem-solving are not helpful. Assertive communication within the family is discussed as well as cultural barriers to effective communication. The skills of motivational interviewing are applied to parent–child interactions about decisions. The family dinner is examined as an opportunity for shared communication and connection. Divorce is seen as a severe breakdown in communication, with 25–30% of children suffering negative effects. Arizona State University’s New Beginning Program for parents going through a divorce is presented as a proactive model that has reduced psychological problems in children and emerging adults.