Keeping our Teens Drug and Alcohol Free

Communicate with Love: Connect with Your Child

60 Second Conversation Starter

Colorful playful heartsIn the spirit of Valentine’s Day, communicating with LOVE may start a healthy pattern that has real staying power for you and your child:

Listen — Ask open-ended questions and reflect on what your child says

Offer — Enlist the feedback sandwich by asking permission, providing information and requesting reactions

Validate– Reinforce self-efficacy and trust

Empathize — Don’t be afraid to get into the “trenches” with your child

Be persistent but stay positive and don’t get too discouraged. Short, frequent conversations will go a long way in staying connected with your child.

Source: Dr. Aaron Weiner

It’s not one 60-minute conversation.
It’s 60 one-minute conversations.