What Do You Say?

More about the book

A guide to effectively communicating with teenagers by the bestselling authors of The Self-Driven Child addresses the common frustrations parents face when conversations with their teens go awry. After sixth grade, many parents find their once-chatty children become uncommunicative, making meaningful dialogue feel nearly impossible. However, the authors emphasize that effective communication can be cultivated and learned. With a combined 60 years of experience engaging with kids, William Stixrud, Ph.D., and Ned Johnson often hear parents ask, "What do you say?" While many understand the philosophies behind popular parenting books, they struggle to apply these concepts in real situations. This guide provides practical strategies for respectful and effective dialogue, starting with the fundamentals of listening and speaking. It offers innovative approaches to tackle challenging topics that often lead to conflicts, such as giving constructive feedback, setting technology boundaries, discussing sleep and brain health, addressing anxiety about current events, and family problem-solving. This manual serves as a transformative resource for parents, equipping them with the tools to navigate complex conversations and enhance their communication skills with their teens.