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Family Meal

Better Communication  

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This website and its accompanying book is intended to initiate discussions in families, schools, therapeutic settings and everywhere communication is important. A variety of deceptively simple subjects are presented as Starters. Having frequent short non-judgmental conversations about some of these topics will make it easier to begin to discuss personal issues.

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Too often opportunities to connect are lost because interest is expressed in questions that get answered in monosyllables. We can do better than,

"How was your day?"        "Fine"       "Great"

 

Choose a conversation starter and ask someone, "What do you think of this?" Then listen as if they were talking about an image on a Rorschach test. Just sharing their opinion. There are no right or wrong answers. The goal is simply to develop the habit of having respectful conversations and to get to know one another better. This will inevitably deepen relationships and make it easier to support one another during challenging times. 

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The Impact of What I Wish

“Interested in understanding what your teen really thinks? What I Wish You Knew Conversations may be of help. Written by Sharon Weingarten, a sensitive and observant clinician and mother, this book offers an illuminating look into the inner world of adolescents. Teens naturally (and understandably) keep much to themselves as they develop identities and lives independent of their parents. Supporting and guiding them through this process takes patience, a bit of wisdom, and the ability to truly listen to your teens' thoughts, feelings, and concerns. In this slim volume you'll listen in on teens’ lives as they share their worries.”

Mark A. Reinecke, Phd.

Professor and Chief Psychologist, Northwestern University

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