“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.
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Be open to opportunities for talking. Sometimes opportunities for good communication arise when you’re least expecting them.
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Listen with your heart. Try to understand the motive and intent of what your parent is saying.
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Show interest. An attentive listener helps others feel safe enough to share their feelings.
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Periodically summarize what you hear. This shows that you’re sincerely listening to what your parent is saying.
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Ask questions. Questions can help both of you know that you’re on the right track.
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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.