I have talked on this blog before about how difficult it can be for boys to have emotional, one on one discussions. Parents are often left struggling with how to approach discussing challenging issues such as drugs, curfew, safe relationships, fighting, etc. with their sons. Here are three “boy-friendly” ways of having “a talk.”
1) Go for a ride. Why not use the trip to soccer practice or a friend’s house as an opportunity to talk? Car rides have you sitting side-by-side with your son (which is the boys’ preferred style of conversation) and the ride provides a backdrop to take the pressure out of the conversation.
2) Play a video game. I know there is plenty out there about the dangers of video games, but your son is likely playing them so why not get some good out of them. Boys are used to competing against friends and can feel more comfortable opening up if there is a game going while you talk. Again, the video game also provides a distraction so the boy doesn’t feel “under the spotlight.”
3) Get outside. Here in the northeast we have had 3 days of rain but the sun is finally out and Spring will soon be here. Boys tend to do better talking when they are engaged in a physical activity and being outdoors helps them feel less “trapped” when having a tough conversation.