Communication Styles
'This type of question opens the door instead of shutting it down.
What is an open-ended question?
Back in the day, we used this to reach our friends — not texting.
What is a house phone or landline
This tool helps you stay calm and shows your teen how to regulate emotions.
'What is modeling emotional control?
("This common generational phrase often made us feel dismissed: 'Because I said so.' Today, we try to replace it with..."
'What is an explanation or open discussion?')
('Name one social media app most middle schoolers know that many parents didnt grow up with.',
'What is TikTok or Snapchat?')
This helps prevent yelling matches and keeps the conversation grounded.
'What is pausing before responding?
Many of today’s middle schoolers are dealing with pressure from this online source.
'What is social media?'
Giving your teen choices is a form of this parenting style.
What is collaborative or democratic parenting?
('One thing many parents of color carry from their own childhoods is this kind of discipline style.',
'What is authoritarian or strict discipline?')
('This popular genre of music is often how teens express their emotions and identity.'
What is hip hop or R&B?')
This is more important than the words you say how you say them.
What is tone of voice?
True or False: Today’s kids have fewer mental health resources than we did.
What is False?'
Name one way to repair a conversation after yelling or conflict.
'What is apologizing or checking back in?'
('A safe space for teens to talk and be themselves is called a.
'What is emotionally safe environment?')
('When a teen uses slang you dont understand, the best response is to.
'What is ask with curiosity or Google it?')
When we listen without jumping in, weâre practicing this.
What is active listening?
('One way teens today express themselves more openly than past generations is through this.',
What is emotional honesty or mental health talk?
Instead of lectures, try this kind of conversation to connect with your teen.
'What is a two-way or heart-to-heart talk?
"Instead of asking 'What’s wrong with you?', try this.",
"What is 'What happened to you?'")
('This generation is more open about this topic than any previous generation.',
What is mental health or identity?')
Speaking in a calm tone and giving space shows this parenting strength.
'What is self-regulation?'
'Back then we ‘stayed in a child’s place.’ Now, we try to build this kind of relationship with our kids.',
What is a relationship built on trust and open communication?
Setting limits while staying respectful is part of this approach.
What is firm but loving boundaries?
('What is one way your teen shows they still care, even if they dont say it?',
What is small actions (checking in, staying near, showing effort)?')
('True or False: Teens today dont want discipline ” they want freedom with no rules.',
'What is False?')