MSU Extension Managing Difficult Conversations & Situations

Communicating with youth

• The art of asking questions
• Feelings are not right or wrong, they just are
• How much should you share with youth?
  
• Some compliments are better than others
  
• Navigating difficult conversations with youth
  
• What secrets can you keep?

Keeping vulnerable populations safe

• Keeping young people safe through informed intuition
  
• Informed intuition in volunteering and video
  
• Helping youth feel physically and emotionally safe
  
• The power of intuition

Navigating conflict

• Communicating safely through conflict: start with the heart
• Leaders understand and show empathy
• Don't forget to listen
• Handling conflict in groups
• Helping youth with polarizing political issues
• Helping youth navigate approaches to conflict
• Dealing with difficult personalities during meetings
• Communication is a key part of leadership roles

Setting boundaries

• When boundaries are crossed
  
• Mentoring: Setting boundaries
  
• Understanding the nature of boundaries is key to mentor-mentee relationships
  
• Redefining boundaries
  
• Tips for setting boundaries
  
• Boundaries have benefits

Refer to the Parents & Caregivers page for information related to supporting youth experiencing bullying, teaching youth about personal space, boundaries and unhealthy media messages, as well as talking with youth about grief and loss, forgiveness and tragedy in the media.