Can you offer small-talk tips for mothers and daughters?

Question

Hello,

My name is Bonnie Schindler and I am a journalist with
a publication that strives to nurture mother and daughter
relationships, while empowering women.

This issue’s assignment is to get a few conversation
tips for those who are small-talk challenged.

1. Do you believe that there are difficulties
associated with small talk between mother and
daughters?

2. If you were to advise a mother or daughter as to
how to have a small-talk conversation, what would you
suggest?

3. Does your advice change if the mother and daughter
have a stressed relationship due to issues such as
obedience, school performance, drugs or alcohol abuse,
etc?

4. Is it better to wait until another time if one
receives a one-word answer, such as “no,” “yes,” “I
don’t know?”

5. What are some sure-fire topics that get any
conversation going?

6. What skills are most important during small talk?

Please provide your full name to me (you can email it to [e-mail])

Answer 1

I am the mother of 4. I have 2 teenage daughters. We have always tried to be open with one another and I believe that it has been very successful.
1. If mothers and daughters have not always spoken openly, there are huge difficulties. Your first goal has to be to gain her trust. Talk about little things. How was your day- you know, easy. If the opportunity arises, try to find similarities between your daughter and yourself through listening to her. The biggest obstacle you will have will come if you try to talk too much and listen too little.
2. Covered above. Ask your daughter to help with dinner or help fold laundry- more comfortable. She is not focused on the topic and more likely to speak openly.
3. Still is the same. You have to start by gaining trust. Keep it light at first and build it up to the important stuff.
4. Yes. Try to wait until your next small talk opportunity and re-phrase the question, maybe even completely change it- like use a different scenerio so she does not feel cornered.
5. What is your daughter involved it? What does she get out of it? Who are her friends?
6. LISTENING