With her recent book The Art of Talking with Children: The Simple Keys to Nurturing Kindness, Creativity, and Confidence in Kids, Rebecca Rolland, Ed.D., a Harvard faculty member and oral language specialist, offers an invaluable guide that provides readers with evidence-based tools and techniques to communicate more effectively with children in ways that let them foster relationships with less conflict and more joy and kindness. Dr. Rolland shows how quality communication—or “rich talk”—can help build the skills and capacities children need to thrive.

Science has shown that the best way to help our kids become independent, confident, kind, empathetic, and happy is by talking with them. Yet, so often, parents, educators, and caregivers are at a loss and have trouble communicating with kids. Conversations can feel trivial or strained—or worse, are marked by constant conflict.

Dr. Rolland, who is on staff at Boston Children’s Hospital and a lecturer at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, arms adults with practical tools to help them have productive and meaningful conversations with children of all ages—whether it’s engaging an obstinate toddler or getting the most monosyllabic adolescent to open up.

Highlights in The Art of Talking with Children include: 1) The importance of conversation as an antidote to stress and disconnection; 2) What “rich talk” is and its value in nurturing strong relationships; 3) Sparking children’s curiosity; 4) Fostering children’s empathy; 5) Encouraging kids to embrace challenges; 6) Building confidence and independence in kids; 7) Cultivating social skills in children; 8) Promoting joy and creativity; 9) Helping kids celebrate one another’s differences; 10) Bringing out the best in kids.

This event suitable for youth 12+. It will be recorded but not live streamed and the video will be available on our website and YouTube channel.

NOTE: No registration or proof of vaccination is required. Masks are recommended but not required.

This event is presented by Family Action Network (FAN). Gorton Center is proud to partner with FAN as a sponsor of this event to bring this programming to our patrons.