Just talking to your child is only half the job. You can keep the lines of communication open by
knowing how to listen and when to talk.
Your child will tell you about the sights and sounds that influence him or her every day — they are the
experts about fashion, music, TV, and movies that people their age follow.
Ask your child what music groups are popular and what their songs are about, what his friends like to do after
school, what’s cool and what’s not and why. Encourage your child with phrases such as “That’s interesting” or
“I didn’t know that,” and by asking follow-up questions.
Try these tips:
- Encourage your children to feel comfortable telling you about problems they may be having
and asking you for help.
- You might try rephrasing a child’s comments to indicate that you have understood or give nonverbal
support and encouragement by nodding and smiling.
- Use a caring tone of voice to answer a child and use encouraging phrases to express interest
and to keep the conversation going.
Source: The National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign's Behavior Change Expert Panel.
