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KUALA LUMPUR - Assertive communication, which involves expressing one's emotions and needs honestly while respecting others, is crucial in preventing family crises such as domestic violence and mental health issues.
National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) Family Wellbeing Division, Counselling and Intervention Unit senior assistant director Rasidah Sulaiman said aggressive or passive communication, where feelings are often suppressed, can contribute to prolonged conflict in a household.
She said the main challenges facing families today include not only a lack of time but also increasingly distant interactions due to the use of electronic devices, which can affect meaningful sharing of emotions and thoughts.
"Assertive communication means being able to express our needs and feelings honestly while respecting others. Through this approach, a person not only respects their own rights and feelings but also those of others.
"This differs from aggressive communication, which can often trigger arguments and domestic violence, and passive communication, which involves suppressing one's feelings and can lead to prolonged conflict," she said when appearing as a guest on the seventh episode of the Kasih Lensa Keluarga podcast produced by Bernama TV last night.
On communicating with teenagers, Rasidah advised parents against giving direct advice or issuing rigid instructions, as teenagers tend to learn more through observation.
"Teenagers do not like being lectured or given instructions indiscriminately. They need space to be heard, and parents should never make assumptions.
"For example, if a child refuses to go to school, avoid accusing them of being lazy, as there may be underlying emotions such as fear, disappointment or a feeling of being unsafe at school," she said.
To strengthen family bonds, she urged parents to set aside quality one-to-one time with their spouse and each child, taking into account their individual personalities.
She also urged members of the public facing communication difficulties or mental health crises within their families not to hesitate to seek counselling services from LPPKN to find the best way forward. - BERNAMA