Communication & Connection
Books, tools and conversation starters that help families talk, listen and stay close through every age and stage.
Preview below · full guide included with membership picks
Thrive Parenting Company
Therapist-curated resource guide
Communication & Connection
A Thrive Resource Guide for the Communication & Connection pathway
Last updated 1 June 2024
From the therapist
This list gathers the books, decks and tools we return to again and again when families want to talk more openly and listen more closely. Start with the three 'start here' picks, then explore by what your family needs right now: younger kids, teens, or your own communication habits as a parent.
If you're overwhelmed, start here
- 01
How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk(find this book on Amazon, opens in a new tab)
Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish
A classic for a reason
- 02
TableTopics Family Edition(find this book on Amazon, opens in a new tab)
TableTopics
- 03
How to Talk So Teens Will Listen & Listen So Teens Will Talk(find this book on Amazon, opens in a new tab)
Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish
Teen-specific version
You do not need to use all of these. Pick one conversation starter and one book, and let the rest wait.
What's inside
Preview · first three of each categoryBook titles link to our Amazon shop. As an Amazon Associate we may earn a small commission — it never changes what we recommend, or what you pay.
Best Parent Books
10 recommendations
- 01Top pick
How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk(find this book on Amazon, opens in a new tab)
Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish
- 02Top pick
How to Talk So Teens Will Listen & Listen So Teens Will Talk(find this book on Amazon, opens in a new tab)
Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish
- 03
7 more in the PDF
Best Children's Books
4 recommendations
- 01
- 02
Listening Time(find this book on Amazon, opens in a new tab)
Elizabeth Verdick
- 03
1 more in the PDF
Best Podcasts
3 recommendations
- 01
- 02
The Longest Shortest Time
Hillary Frank
- 03
Best Websites
3 recommendations
- 01
Ask, Listen, Learn(opens in a new tab)
Responsibility.org
- 02
The Family Dinner Project(opens in a new tab)
The Family Dinner Project
- 03
Common Sense Media(opens in a new tab)
Common Sense Media
Best YouTube Channels
1 recommendations
- 01
The Gottman Institute YouTube channel(opens in a new tab)
The Gottman Institute
Helpful Organisations
2 recommendations
- 01
Search Institute(opens in a new tab)
Search Institute
- 02
The Gottman Institute(opens in a new tab)
The Gottman Institute
Download the complete Communication & Connection guide
Every free account includes one Thrive Resource Guide guide. Thrive Essential and Thrive+ open all of them.