In early 2002, Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino, the Mayor’s the Boston Centers for Youth and Families, (BCYF) , and more than 30 organizations launched a special year-long public education campaign to promote better communication between parents/guardians and their older children and teenagers. “Finding the Time” will reach thousands of Boston area families through media messages, literature and promotional materials, and educational programs like conferences and workshops.

The campaign is designed to foster good communication, mutual respect, and a strong bond between teens and their parents/guardians. Research shows that families that “find the time” help to protect teens against risky behaviors and enable parents to continue to impart values important to their family and culture.

In light of recent school violence threats, the economic downturn, the war against terrorism, and budget cuts to human service programs, good communication between parents and teens is more important than ever. Currently, there are few resources and services in Boston to support parents of teens.

The campaign will address that need by:
  • Raising awareness about the importance of parents’ communicating better with their teens/pre-teens.
  • Publicizing the stages of adolescent and family development that affect communication between parents and teens/pre-teens.
  • Providing tools for parents and teens/pre-teens to improve their relationship and how they communicate.
  • Addressing issues and barriers unique to immigrant parents and teens.

Key Messages
  • Find the time — Parents and teens need to make time in their busy, scheduled lives to talk and spend time together.
  • Listen + talk = understanding — There are tools that can help parents and teens learn to communicate better and overcome the common barriers to effective communication.
  • Parents still matter, teens still care — Many parents think their teens are tuning them out because they don’t care what their parents think. Surveys of teens reveal that is not true.
  • Fear of disappointment — Many teens say that they don’t communicate with their parents because they are afraid of disappointing them. Parents say they are disappointed when teens shut them out.
  • Do something together — Take a class, go on a field trip or create a work of art. A fun activity can spark a meaningful conversation.
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