Personal: family
How to talk to your teenager, your child and your parents
Family conversations are hard because the relationship stays for years. Pick a situation, read what helps and rehearse the conversation as many times as you need.
Conversations to practice
- I am telling my child about the divorceHow to tell your kids about divorce
- I want to talk to my teenagerHow to talk to a teenager
- I am setting boundaries with my mother-in-lawHow to set boundaries with your mother-in-law
- I am telling my parents about my decisionHow to tell your parents a big decision
- I am coming out to my parentsHow to come out to your parents
- I tell my parents I will not come for the holidaysHow to tell your parents you will not be home for the holidays
- I am talking to my mom about help and careHow to talk to an aging parent about help or care
- I am talking to my dad about drivingHow to talk to an elderly parent about giving up driving
What helps in family conversations
Listen before you explain
A teenager, a parent or an in-law is more likely to shift when they feel heard than when they hear a better argument.
Short sentences with children
A child needs simple, true information and to hear that they are loved. Details of adult matters do not help them.
A boundary is not a punishment
You can say no and show respect at the same time. One does not rule out the other.
Frequently asked questions
How do I talk to a teenager who only gives one-word answers?
Talk alongside something else: in the car, while cooking, on a walk. Ask fewer questions, listen more and do not judge what you hear straight away. A short conversation that went well is worth more than a long one that ended in a fight.
How do I tell my child about a divorce?
Ideally together with the other parent, in simple words, with a clear message that it is not the child’s fault. Prepare answers to questions about what will change in their daily life.
Is practicing such personal conversations with AI safe?
It is practice for words and reactions, not therapy. The AI plays a family member in a predictable, non-aggressive way. If there is violence at home or you feel unsafe, use the helpline numbers on this page.
Do I have to describe my real family?
No. The scenarios are general and you decide how much detail to add. The conversation is there to help you prepare, not to collect information about the people close to you.
See also
Rehearse the conversation that matters to you.
Pick a family situation, talk to the AI by voice or chat and see in the report what brought you closer and what pushed you apart.