FAMILY COMMUNICATION

Kim Leon, Ph.D., Human Development and Family Studies, University of Missouri-Columbia

Have you ever experienced a period of time when your teenager and you seemed to be fighting constantly over everything? Perhaps things seem to be smoothing out now, but your relationship is still strained because of all of the conflict. Consider the following suggestions to help increase communication and continue improving your relationship.

Using written communication rather than spoken communication can make it easier to share difficult feelings. With an adolescent, a shared journal may help improve communication. For example, you and your daughter might pick out a journal together, then take turns writing your thoughts in it and leaving it for the other person to read. Also, writing letters or e-mail may be easier than talking right now, and once the relationship has improved, you can begin to talk more.