RespiteMatch.com Health Blog

Clear and effective communication is vital as
your parents age and need help from you.
Unfortunately, succesful communication is
also one of the most difficult tasks.

Assumptions

Many things can interfere with of good communication.
Two of the biggest stumbling
blocks are the assumptions made by both you
and your parents about each other:
Your Assumptions about your Parents
You might think you know what your parents
need and want, and what is best for them. These
assumptions may prevent your really hearing
what they have to say.

Your Parents’ Assumptions about You
Your parents might think that, since they are
your parents, they know everything about you
and your needs and wants. These assumptions
can keep them from really listening and understanding
what you have to say.

Assumptions on both sides can prevent clear
and concise communication, and may even
result in arguments, anger and resentment. Most
importantly, discuss critical issues early, while
they are still mentally sharp.

Set Aside Appropriate Times to Talk

Set aside a time that is good for all of you to talk.

Choose a time when everyone will be relaxed and comfortable—
on a Saturday morning or after dinner, perhaps.

Make sure that everyone knows that this will be a
time to talk—and listen. You may want to ask someone
the family trusts and respects to sit in and moderate.

Talk About One Thing at a Time

Try to limit the discussion to one thing at a time. Make
a list of related things that need to be covered—and
don’t start other topics until these have been discussed.

Equal Time for Talking and Listening

Make sure that everyone involved has time both to
talk and to listen. You might even consider setting
“ground rules,” where someone can have the floor to
themselves for five minutes at a time, but must then
let someone else talk for an equal amount of time.

Avoid Blame

Don’t blame others. Even if you think something is
their fault, you won’t get anywhere by telling them so.

Try to forgive—if not forget—so that you can move
forward. Stick with “I” messages.

Avoid Exaggerations

Don’t say things like “You always,” “You never,” or “I
always.” These are most likely untrue, and they can
only hinder the conversation.

Focus on Problems and Solutions

Take a practical approach to the discussion. Identify
problems that everyone agrees on, and then come up
with lists of possible solutions. Discuss the pros and
cons of the different solutions, and try to agree by the
end of the discussion on which ones are most viable.

So what can you do to break through the assumptions? What can you do to ensure that the paths of communication
stay open? Here are some tips:

Clear and effective communication is vital as
your parents age and need help from you.
Unfortunately, succesful communication is
also one of the most difficult tasks.
Assumptions
Many things can interfere with of good communication.
Two of the biggest stumbling
blocks are the assumptions made by both you
and your parents about each other:
Your Assumptions about your Parents
You might think you know what your parents
need and want, and what is best for them. These
assumptions may prevent your really hearing
what they have to say.
Your Parents’ Assumptions about You
Your parents might think that, since they are
your parents, they know everything about you
and your needs and wants. These assumptions
can keep them from really listening and understanding
what you have to say.
Assumptions on both sides can prevent clear
and concise communication, and may even
result in arguments, anger and resentment. Most
importantly, discuss critical issues early, while
they are still mentally sharp.