Here are some tips for talking with your child about what they are experiencing:

1. Watch the “I Wish…” video and/or listen to the recordings with your tween or teen.
   
   
2. Use these prompts to get the conversation started:
   • Here’s how I felt/what I thought watching the video and it inspired me to ask you a few questions—is that okay?
     • How are the comments in the video similar or different with how you are feeling? 
     • What are some things you wish that I, as your parent, knew?
     • What do you wish your teachers or peers knew?
3. Important reminders for the conversation:
   • Be present and engaged – your child is being vulnerable in sharing these feelings. This includes being ready to share your own feelings/thoughts using “I statements:”
     
                      I feel _____       When_____        I need _____
     
     
   • LISTEN first.  Try “active listening” that involves restating what you heard your child say just to be sure you understand.
     
     
   • Don’t try to downplay your child’s struggles or suggest “it isn’t really that bad.”
     
     
   • Validate your child’s feelings and model that it is okay not to know what to do.
     “Wow, it sounds like school can be overwhelming.  I don’t really even know what to say, but I’m glad you told me.”
     
     
   • Invite your child to problem solve with you. 
     “You’ve said that school and your activities keep you really busy.  Would you like us to work together to come up with a plan for how we might be able to reduce some of the pressure?”