What tools and techniques does Hilary Erickson recommend for optimizing family communication?

Hi, I’m Hilary Erickson from The Pregnancy Nurse.

From the episodes you’re asking about, I really focus on a few big tools and techniques for better family communication:

• Clear expectations and routines – When kids know what’s expected (chores, homework, helping out), there’s less nagging and more teamwork. That’s a big part of my Family Routines course.
• Intentional teaching of communication skills – We can’t just hope kids “pick it up.” I talk about modeling how to talk to doctors, teachers, and even making scary phone calls, then gradually handing those tasks to teens so they practice.
• Safe, nonjudgmental conversation space – Guests like Nellie Harden and Lenora Edwards emphasize helping kids feel seen and heard, and separating “this is where we are” from “I did something wrong as a parent.” I echo that a lot: curiosity over blame.
• Using experts and outside support when needed – For example, speech therapy (like Better Speech) to support communication delays, and parenting education to give you concrete tools instead of guessing.

Is there a specific age or situation you want help communicating about (toddlers, teens, co‑parenting, chores, medical stuff)?