KEEP TALKING

Davidson presents a comprehensive guide for parents with tips on how to foster meaningful and productive conversations with their children.

As a mother, the author recalls the days when talking with her kids felt like navigating a complex minefield. In this book, she shares advice, based on her own experiences, on ways to keep the lines of communication open—even into children’s finicky teenage years. Davidson cites references to back up her findings (such as a New York Post story about a 2018 survey that found that 82% of parents feel that their child “tends to avoid meaningful conversations”) and often formats her advice into easy-to-read bullet points. She covers a wide range of topics, including how to be a good listener (with tips such as “Embrace the silence” and “Don’t give unsolicited advice”) and suggested conversation starters. Sample conversations demonstrate typical talks and show how they might go if one follows Davidson’s advice. These exchanges are often taken directly from the author’s own life, as are many personal anecdotes throughout the book. Some topics address concerns of older teens, such as relationship red flags and sexual safety. Each of the 10 chapters ends with a list of takeaways for both children and parents. Throughout, Davidson keeps her tone friendly and encouraging, making the advice feel like that of a close friend. Many issues feel particularly timely, such as social media responsibility. Davidson’s tips will likely prove helpful for parents who have no clue where to start; however, some of the advice may strike others as obvious (“Be a Good Listener”). That said, the author isn’t afraid to cover difficult topics head-on and encourage parents to do likewise, as when she talks about the importance of teaching sons and daughters about sexual responsibility. Overall, the book’s no-nonsense approach is ultimately helpful and genuinely refreshing.

A practical compilation of right-to-the-point advice that may help parents to better connect with their kids.