Azadeh Ghalehnovi
Talk to Me
Each family is a unique mini-culture
Parents play a central role in shaping the communication dynamics within their household. Children absorb these communication patterns from their parents, leading to the creation of unique mini-cultures within the family. These mini-cultures develop their own distinct codes and patterns of communication, which are reinforced by the shared norms, beliefs, and values of the family unit.
All families need to interact and talk fluidly. But what if parents are unable to shape a healthy mini-culture that supports a positive family dynamic?
Conversation and conformity orientation
Globally, families can be categorized into four distinct types (Pluralistic, Consensual, Protective, Laissez-faire). Two of these – the Laissez-faire Family and the Protective Family – are characterized by low levels of communication, and conversations involving limited topics. These families often adhere inconsistently to or lack family rules, they face challenges discussing emotions and daily experiences, and they often struggle to converse due to an insufficiency of shared experience. Currently there are no consistently reliable conventional tools/approaches to address this challenge. Therefore there is an opportunity and need for intervention – to help families develop appropriate communication strategies and cues.
Talk To Me
Talk To Me is a wearable device that allows a child to log feelings, emotions, and events, and that provides parents with entry points into family conversations centering on the daily experiences of their children. Talk To Me equips parents to proactively anticipate and prepare for conversations at home, enabling them to initiate and maintain meaningful dialog within the family mini-culture.