Talk One-on-One

Bad time for your boss to open a serious discussion: When you’re standing with colleagues at the water cooler. Good time for your boss to open a serious discussion: Inside an office with the door closed. The same thing goes for conversations with your teen. Adolescence is filled with self-conscious moments, so aim for privacy when tackling tough topics. Public conversations can lead to public outbursts, and they’re less likely to reach the outcome you want. Private conversations invite honesty and show respect. So wait until you’re inside and alone to jump into the hard stuff.

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