TALKING POINTS FOR AN ELDER AND YOU
Tips for productive communication
Show respect
Watch your phraseology, avoiding phrases such as "You never..." or "You always..."
Listen to her feelings and find the meaning behind her words
Honor the legacy he's trying to define for himself, allowing him to preserve his dignity by accepting that he has a right not to be perfect, to do things in a way you might consider wrong, and to display his independence
Say things in a way that won't indicate you doubt competence
Reassure without being condescending
Recognize fears and approach fear-inspiring issues with a positive approach
Negotiate and try to compromise when agreement is resisted