Brenda Zane
Brenda Zane
Breaking Through Broken Communication: A Simple CRAFT Tool for Parents of Struggling Kids, with Brenda Zane
Breaking Through Broken Communication: A Simple CRAFT Tool for Parents of Struggling Kids, with Brenda Zane
Breaking Through Broken Communication: A Simple CRAFT Tool for Parents of Struggling Kids, with Brenda Zane
Thursday 24th July 2025
Discover the SURF method for better communication with your child, shared by Brenda Zane in Hopestream podcast.
22 minutes
Informative
Supportive
Encouraging
Hopeful
Compassionate
About this podcast
Author:
Brenda Zane
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Family Recovery from Addiction
Navigating Challenges in Recovery
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Recovery from Trauma
Links:
Visit site
Episodes:
285 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Transform Conversations with the SURF Technique
Episode Overview
- Use the SURF method to improve communication.
- Be specific to avoid misunderstandings.
- Offer understanding to reduce defensiveness.
- Take responsibility to foster collaboration.
- Express feelings without emotional overload.
"You do this because if you share the problem, your son or daughter is more likely to see you as wanting to solve a problem together."
Brenda Zane's 'Hopestream' podcast is a lifeline for parents navigating the turbulent waters of their child's substance use. In this episode, Brenda shares a powerful communication tool called SURF, aimed at improving interactions with struggling teens and young adults. The SURF method - Specific, Understanding, Responsibility, and Feelings - offers a structured way to foster positive dialogue, even when conversations seem daunting. Brenda's own journey with her son's addiction lends authenticity to her advice, making it relatable and practical.
Brenda's style is approachable and empathetic, as she breaks down the SURF technique into digestible parts. She explains how being specific can prevent misunderstandings and negotiation traps that kids often fall into. By offering understanding, parents can reduce defensiveness, creating a safe space for genuine communication. Taking responsibility is about acknowledging one's own role in the situation, fostering collaboration rather than alienation. Finally, expressing feelings without emotional overload helps in conveying concerns without triggering a defensive response.
The episode is peppered with anecdotes that bring the technique to life, showing how small changes in communication can lead to significant shifts in relationships. Brenda encourages practising the method in low-stakes scenarios before tackling more emotionally charged issues. For anyone feeling overwhelmed by their child's struggles, this episode is a beacon of hope. It offers tangible steps to transform communication and build stronger connections.
If you're seeking practical advice to improve your relationship with your child, Brenda's insights might just be the catalyst you need.