Parent Programming Offers Advice on Communication with Teenagers

Mrs. Melinda Lloyd and Mr. Ethan Weiss hosted a recent discussion with 34 parents about communication challenges, styles, and tactics. While the participants indicated their interest in learning from the experts, Mrs. Lloyd and Mr. Weiss reminded them that they are the experts and these are challenges that all parents – and all people for that matter – face.

Mr. Weiss and Mrs. Lloyd outlined four common communication styles by acting out the same conversation in various ways. The skits allowed attendees to clearly see how certain styles are perceived. Parents then paired up to act out a scenario adopting one of the approaches. Through modeling and observing, the group could clearly see which approaches were most effective. Parents learned from each other’s experiences and left feeling they were not alone in the challenges of communicating with young adults.

Coffee and Conversation events and topics are introduced in the Banyan Weekly so stay tuned for the next opportunity to learn from peer parents with guidance from our Department of Counseling and Academic Services.