How to Have The Hard Conversations with Your (Almost Grown) Kids with Dr. Emily Kline

I think one of the hardest things to figure out as a parent of a tween or teen is when to step in and when to step back, especially when you see them struggling or they aren’t making the choice that you want them to make. 

And when we do step in or offer our advice, it falls on deaf ears or, worse results in an argument.  

Well, my special guest today is Dr. Emily Kline.

She’s here today to talk about her new book, The School of Hard Talks: How to Have Real Conversations with Your (Almost Grown) Kids.

In this interview, Emily shares her research-backed approach that prevents power struggles and pushback and builds stronger relationships through better conversations about any topic: curfews, sex, drugs, rock ‘n’ roll, college applications, and beyond. 

Let’s dive in! 

What you will learn: 

• What is motivational interviewing, and what are the benefits?
• When does it make sense to use rewards and punishments to motivate kids, and when does that not make sense?
• Why do parents get on their older kids’ nerves, and why do our teens and tweens dismiss parents’ input? 
• Understand how to suppress your parental “righting reflex” – the almost irresistible urge to help by offering reassurance and advice.
• How can we help our tweens and teens navigate their decisions and dilemmas competently?
• What are some ways to handle conflict that are productive and nurture the relationship?

Where to find Dr. Emily Kline:

• Website
• Book: The School of Hard Talks
• Instagram