ABSTRACT
Conventional wisdom regards parent-adolescent communication as an oxymoron. As is often the case with adolescence, however, conventional wisdom can be misleading. Although it is certainly true that communication during the adolescent years is a significant challenge for parents and children, this challenge stems primarily from the changing nature of the relationship, not from an inherent inability of adolescents and parents to engage in meaningful conversation (Collins, Gleason, & Sesma, 1997). As families navigate the transition from childhood into adulthood, the frequency and content of their interactions change. Increasing adolescent autonomy inevitably alters patterns of self-disclosure, commonly shared experiences, and perceptions of privacy and responsibilities. Yet even in the face of these significant alterations, familial emotional bonds are noteworthy for their resilience and continuity.
