Teens · Family
Talking to Your Parents Worksheet
For the teen side of the conversation
Parents are usually easier to talk to than they feel. This sheet is written for the teen side — how to say the hard thing so it lands.
The thing I need to say
What I'm afraid will happen
How to open it
- Pick a low-stakes time (car rides, walks work well)
- Say up front what I want — advice, listening, just to know
- Start with 'I don't want to fight — I need to tell you something'
- Give them a moment before they react
A one-line opening I'll actually use
They love you clumsily
Most parents want to be closer than they are. Giving them the frame — 'listen, don't fix' — usually gets you what you needed.