Why Youth Stay Silent: Breaking Through Parent-Child Communication Barriers | Ep 16

Why do teens and young people sometimes shut down in family conversations? In this episode, Terry Willis talks with Coach D Williams about the emotional stakes behind youth silence, parent-child communication barriers, and the pressure young people may feel when opening up to adults. Learn how parents and grandparents can respond with curiosity, reduce judgment, and build the kind of trust and connection that helps young people feel safe enough to talk. Takeaways: Young people often open up where they feel nonjudgment and emotional safety. Adults can build trust by listening, observing, and staying curious before correcting. A parent or grandparent's title does not automatically create connection; emotional work does. Breathing before responding helps adults model regulation in difficult moments. Mental hygiene can become a daily family practice through stillness, affirmation, breathing, and intentional action. Guest Bio: Dominique Williams, better known as "Coach D," is an author, coach, business owner, and speaker. A Brooklyn native, Coach D began her career in youth development as a youth counselor and basketball coach. Her early work led her to rebrand her company Get Fit Fly Right from a basketball program into an education company providing mental health resources and programming to youth organizations. GFFR's focus evolved from athletic development to emotional development for youth and their leaders. The TAP Method for mental hygiene has been featured at Jr. NBA and NBA stages, in NYC schools, and continues to impact youth athletic programs across the US. Connect with Coach D www.getfitflyright.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getfitflyright  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetFitFlyRight/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachdgetfitflyright/    Chapters 00:00 Precap: The Power of Connection 00:24 Introduction: Welcome to The Power of Family 01:44 Coach D's Journey into Youth Mental Health 05:29 Why Youth Stay Silent with Parents 10:02 Connection Before Guidance 14:36 Why Young People Open Up to Trusted Adults 21:58 Creating Safety Before Influence 27:46 How to Respond Without Reacting 32:20 What Youth Silence Really Means 35:43 Mental Hygiene for Families 42:13 Repairing Pressure and Building Trust 52:10 How to Connect with Coach D 55:18 Closing Reflection   This week, try asking one gentle question, then pause, breathe, and really listen before offering advice. If you're ready to deepen connection in your family or community, hit subscribe and leave us a review, it helps others join the conversation. Learn more: ⁠https://thepoweroffamilyus.com⁠ Follow Us on Social Media Instagram: https://instagram.com/thepoweroffamilyus Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thepoweroffamilyus Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepoweroffamilyus LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thepoweroffamilyus/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thepoweroffamilyus Leave us a review: Leave us a review on Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-of-family/id1852957294 Leave us a review on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3xyf52vhoDz0ENDRSdQGZG