{"id":8947,"date":"2021-09-12T19:16:37","date_gmt":"2021-09-12T19:16:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/esperanzaunited.org\/?post_type=cde-knowledge-base&p=8947"},"modified":"2026-02-24T23:51:00","modified_gmt":"2026-02-25T04:51:00","slug":"healthy-communication","status":"publish","type":"cde-knowledge-base","link":"https:\/\/esperanzaunited.org\/en\/knowledge-base\/our-community-says-no-mas\/healthy-communication\/","title":{"rendered":"Healthy communication"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Healthy communication<\/h3>

Research shows that the first 20 seconds of a conversation are the most difficult. Parents often get stuck on not having a conversation because they\u2019re afraid of those first few seconds. It\u2019s likely that many parents avoid having these conversations with their children because they don\u2019t know how to navigate them. We provide concrete material to open the door to meaningful dialogue and put a framework of mutual respect and understanding that will make the journey easier.<\/span><\/p>

Start talking<\/h4>

Clear, open, honest, and frequent communication is a basic characteristic of a strong, healthy family.<\/span><\/p>

Families that communicate in healthy ways are more capable of problem-solving and tend to be more satisfied with their relationships.[i]<\/a> In addition, how and what parents and adult caregivers communicate about body image, peer pressure, puberty, reproduction, sexuality, love, and intimacy can make a significant difference in the well-being and health of their children.<\/span><\/p>

Research indicates strong family relationships can help children develop healthy self-esteem, resist peer pressure, and act responsibly when making decisions about drugs, violence, and sexual intercourse.[ii]<\/a><\/span><\/p>

Deepen the conversation<\/h4>

As children are exposed to new ideas and experiences, it can be hard to know what to say. Nobody has all of the answers, but what\u2019s most important is to keep your conversations going.<\/span><\/p>

Your children are always watching and learning from you because they respect you and look up to you. One child development expert said, \u201cKids hear about 1% of what we say and 100% of what we do.\u201d[iii]<\/a><\/span><\/p>

Healthy family communication permits family members to express love and admiration for one another \u2014 their needs, wants, concerns, and their differences. It includes verbal and nonverbal ways to exchange information as well as the ability to pay attention to what others are thinking and feeling.<\/span><\/p>

Clear, open, honest, and frequent communication is a basic characteristic of a strong, healthy family. In fact, families that communicate in healthy ways are more capable of problem-solving and tend to be more satisfied with their relationships.4 Also, how and what parents and\/or adult caregivers communicate about body image, peer pressure, puberty, reproduction, sexuality, love, and intimacy can make a significant difference in the well-being and health of their children. Research indicates strong family relationships can help children develop healthy self-esteem, resist peer pressure, and act responsibly when making decisions about drugs, violence, and sexual intercourse.<\/span><\/p>

Step one: Am I too late?<\/a><\/h4>

Additional resources<\/h3>

Practice cards for parents<\/h5>

Many parents say it\u2019s helpful to practice having conversations with their partners or in front of the mirror before talking with their children about difficult topics. You can download this packet of bilingual practice cards<\/strong><\/a> to practice answering questions that you might want to discuss with your children.<\/span><\/p>

NO M\u00c1S conversation starter pack<\/h5>

Download this packet of bilingual conversation-starter cards<\/strong><\/a> to help initiate discussions with the young people in your life. They include both general icebreakers and prompts for deep conversations.<\/span><\/p>

Start the conversation<\/h4>