Becky Edwards is a Senior Lecturer in Childhood Studies at the University of Chichester, UK, an award-winning children’s author and co-founder of the Parent and Carers Support Organisation (PACSO). In her roles as a primary school teacher, children’s centre manager, and lecturer, Becky has extensive experience of supporting children, students, and families from diverse backgrounds in many different situations.Chris Smethurst is Co-Director of the Institute of Education, Health, and Social Sciences at the University of Chichester, UK. Chris has a background in community work, youth work, residential childcare, and field social work, specialising in learning disabilities and mental health teams. Together with Becky, Chris co-developed the ‘From Adversity to University’ project, which helps marginalised individuals engage with higher education.

• Chapter 1 Introduction; It’s Not Just About WordsPART 1: HOW TO HAVE EFFECTIVE CONVERSATIONSChapter 2 How to Be An Effective CommunicatorChapter 3 Are You Really Listening?Chapter 4 How to Take the ‘Difficult’ Out Of Difficult ConversationsPART 2: WHY DOES IT ALL GO WRONG – AGAIN AND AGAIN...AND AGAIN ?Chapter 5 Monkeys with Smartphones? -When Our Emotions Take ControlChapter 6 It’s All About RelationshipsChapter 7 ‘Charlie is Having a Bad Day!’: a Case studyPART 3: HOW TO TALK ABOUT WHAT REALLY MATTERSChapter 8 Communication in ContextChapter 9 How to Talk About Sexuality and Gender – Rylee SpoonerChapter 10 Uncomfortable Conversations about Race – Mia EdwardsChapter 11 Trauma Informed Approaches – Sam McNallyChapter 12 Conclusion