Parenting Styles and The Parenting Test : how to talk so kids will listen #parenting #parentingtips

I love all things parenting so took a shine to 'The Parenting Test' - a show about parenting styles. Episode 2 was a bit dramatic and I have some strong opinions on the two challenges the show created in this episode that I think were insensitive at best. But I'm not a TV critic, so here's my thoughts on the parenting issues raised.
This is NOT directed at contestants who I think are all so brave and wonderful, but an opportunity for me to share my ideas based on my experience as a family therapist.

The conversation boiled down to "How do you talk to kids about really serious issues ?"

1 Repeat Often! Take Away #1 - All the families had repeatedly spoken to their kids about stranger danger, so there's more to it than just frequency. And if you repeat something over and over, your kids might start to tune you out.

2. Setting and Formality. - I say make it an event.
You didn't propose to your partner on a Tuesday morning as they were leaving the house to go to work.... You made it an event (hopefully). Same for serious conversations, have a house meeting, make it an event - turn the tv off, no phones, sit down at the dinner table. This makes things formal and serious and more likely to be taken to heart.

3. Intensity
There has to be some intensity to the conversation, but as Doc Brown says, not an overwhelming amount of feeling so your child is afraid and having nightmares.

4. Seriousness.
Obviously, you have to be serious, but sometimes when you're too serious the conversation is shut down - so leave the door open for questions that come up or 'what if''s.