How, then, can parents get teenagers to open up and discuss issues of tolerance, prejudice and discrimination?
Christensen: Kids of all ages, but especially teenagers, relate very well to inquiry. Parents can ask kids what they think about certain issues and let them answer, really making an effort to respect their views even if they don’t always agree. But another way to get kids talking is to provide opportunities for them to talk. If we know that kids are comfortable talking to peers, let’s bring them together in diverse groups, let’s encourage them to talk about these kinds of issues and share what they think about solving problems. Megibow: Broadly speaking, parents should make themselves available for such conversations and make sure the kids know they are available to talk about any subject. And parents should be careful not to always take one-word answers as sufficient. Don’t stop at the “nothin'” – try to probe deeper. Also, parents can create situations in the family for people to come together – mealtime, leisure activities. Those are the moments where conversations happen naturally,
Related Questions
- May superintendents require parents to come to a conference with district staff to discuss proposed educational programs submitted by the parents?
- How, then, can parents get teenagers to open up and discuss issues of tolerance, prejudice and discrimination?
- Who Earns the Minimum Wage--Single Parents or Suburban Teenagers?
