To increase your odds of passing those kinds of tests, be like Switzerland: stay neutral. Don’t freak out, don’t jump to conclusions, don’t raise your voice. Just take in it stride. Nod your head, sit back a little bit, take a breath, say Hmmmm. Don’t share your opinion unless asked. Don’t consider it a teachable moment and try to make a point. Just accept the information calmly, and leave a lot of empty silence around it.
Mom: Hey, how’s it going?
Son: Aww, okay I guess.
Mom: Yeah? What’s up?
Son: I’m pretty mad at Dad. He took my cell phone away.
Mom: Ohhh, hmmm. That’s a bummer, huh.
Son: Yeah.
Mom: Nods, waits, and says nothing. Trusts that if she gives him some time, he’ll say more!
