Communicating about difficult subjects with an adult 

Modified from Respecting the Circle of Life Curriculum, JHU-CIH 

We are all learning, and it’s important for you to have trusted resources and places to find information when you have questions, and also people to talk to…like an “auntie”. An auntie may be your actual aunt, an older sister or cousin, or a trusted adult you’re not even related to, like a teacher or family friend. Or you may have an “uncle”! However, it’s important to remember your parents were once your age too. They may have faced similar problems, so they may be the best people to talk to. You probably know who is trustworthy by this point in your life. Here are some tips for sparking a conversation with an adult, especially if it’s a difficult subject.    

• Find a good time for both you and the adult, and make an appointment to speak with the adult on that day and time. 
• Before you meet, try to relax. 
• Write down what you want to say ahead of time. 

• If you feel uncomfortable talking about your problem, try writing a letter or drawing a picture and using that to help you communicate. 
• When it’s time for your discussion, start with a direct statement: “I want to talk about something private that’s very important to me,” or, “I’d like you to read about something that’s important to me.” 
• Sometimes it takes more than one try to make the conversation happen. Keep trying. 
• Sometimes it may be necessary to talk with more than one adult to get the information and feedback you’re looking for.