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Door Openers vs. Door Slammers
Door Openers vs. Door Slammers
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Door Openers vs. Door Slammers
When talking with your child, use the following ‘Door Openers’ to keep communication open and non-judgmental.
Door OPENERS
"What do you think?"
"Tell me more about that."
"That's a good question."
"I don't know, but I'll find out."
"I'm interested in what you are saying."
"Do you know what that means?"
"That sounds important to you."
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"I'm here when you want to talk."
“What do you think you would do if…?”
“How was your day?”
“What did you like the best about…?”
“Then what happened?”
“How do you feel about…?”
Door SLAMMERS
"Don't talk to me in that tone of voice!"
"No."
"You are too young to understand."
"If you say that again, I'll … "
"That's none of your business."
"I don't care what your friends are doing!"
"We'll talk about that when you need to know."
"That's just for boys/girls."
"Why are you asking me that?"
"You don't need to know about that."
“Because I said so.”
Door Openers vs. Door Slammers
When talking with your child, use the following ‘Door Openers’ to keep communication open and non-judgmental.
Door OPENERS
Door SLAMMERS