ABSTRACT
This chapter explores what we can do to best navigate the potentially choppy waters of difficult conversations. Because avoiding parents and the horror of the ensuing interaction, however tempting, does not work. The chapter discusses vulnerability and uses this as a strength to build positive, trusting relationships within the work that we do. Difficult conversations are vital in partnership working because they help to build trust and respect, as both parties show a willingness to deal with the hard stuff, to experience relational vulnerability. The language that we use when broaching challenging topics can be of paramount importance. In many ways there are no easy answers, just as each child is unique, each parent and each family will bring with them a very personal set of characteristics. But unlike the diverse individuals that we deal with, the way forward is always very similar in nature, we need to listen more than we talk.
