The Best Place to Have Uncomfortable Conversations with Kids

There’ll be no shortage of talks you’ll need to have with your kids through the years. In the blink of an eye, you’ll move from why “we don’t hit” to dealing with friendship breakups. And while some discussions are fairly simple and straightforward, others will be more challenging to work through. We’re talking about the birds and bees, puberty, risky behavior, underage drinking, and using illicit substances—the issues that need to be addressed regardless of how awkward it may be.

So, how do you get your kids to really listen when it comes time to have an uncomfortable conversation? In a recent TikTok, Dr. Meghan Martin (@beachgem10), a mom of four who happens to be a pediatric emergency medicine doctor, shared a tip she learned from a teacher friend, and honestly, it’s brilliant.

@beachgem10

Replying to @user2271606969875 The best piece parenting advice was from @teawiththeteach and she said to have uncomfortable conversations with kids in the car #parenting #advice #thebirdsandthebees #conversation

♬ original sound – Beachgem10

Related: How to Talk to Boys about Periods & Why It Matters

What is the best place to have an uncomfortable conversation with your kids? The car.

You might be thinking, really, the car? Yep! In cases like this, timing is everything. Having a hard conversation at the dinner table might be embarrassing, before or after school is just too hectic, and in both circumstances, kids might be distracted. But in a car? They’re stuck until you arrive at your destination. “You have your hands on the wheel. You are looking straight ahead. You do not have to be making eye contact with anyone. That day, you also have a captive audience seat-belted in behind you. They don’t have to look you in the face. They can engage or not engage as much as they want, but they are in the car and potentially have to hear what you’re saying,” says Martin.

Not to mention, it feels like a low-stakes, low-pressure situation. As Martin explains, this is something you do with your kids every day. “You’re not making it this big experience that you had to take time out of your day to sit down; we’re just riding in the car. We’re just talking; it’s not a big deal. These are just things that can be talked about.”

Bringing up tricky topics this way may lead to other communication benefits with your kids. If they know the car is a safe space, they might open up to you about things that are embarrassing to them as well.

No parent enjoys bringing up prickly topics, like sex, alcohol, or bullying, but it’s important information every kid needs to hear, usually the sooner the better. So try this method the next time you need to have an uncomfortable conversation with your child. It might be your new favorite go-to move.