2008
Communicating with Your Parents
February 2008


“Communicating with Your Parents,” New Era, Feb. 2008, 12

Communicating with Your Parents

These tips can help you have positive communication with your parents and others.

  • Be open to opportunities for talking. Sometimes opportunities for good communication arise when you’re least expecting them.

  • Listen with your heart. Try to understand the motive and intent of what your parent is saying.

  • Show interest. An attentive listener helps others feel safe enough to share their feelings.

  • Periodically summarize what you hear. This shows that you’re sincerely listening to what your parent is saying.

  • Ask questions. Questions can help both of you know that you’re on the right track.

  • Remember that parents are people too. They have feelings, and they want to be close to you.

As you and your parents practice good communication skills, you can have a closer relationship that blesses you both.