Talking About Issues That Matter with Teens: Parent/Caregiver Guide

How we talk about things matters. But in our polarized country, how can we express our opinion while leaving room for someone else’s viewpoint? How can we ensure that our discussions are rooted in reliable information and that we treat each other with dignity and respect while discussing contentious topics? How can we engage in productive conversations with those whose beliefs conflict with our own? And how can we help our children develop these critical skills?

This resource provides tips for parents and family members to support teens in building and practicing skills that are fundamental to having productive conversations across different points of view. Review these tips before engaging in a challenging conversation with your teen, especially one in which you hold different or conflicting points of view on issues in the news or current events.