The Interpreted Rock

  By Stephen C. Schultz  When it comes to communication in families—especially between teens and their parents —a simple question can open up a surprisingly deep conversation: Which one matters most? Being right Being kind Being honest Being understood Each of these qualities carries weight. Each shapes the tone of a relationship. But if we’re looking for the one that helps families grow, heal, and stay connected through the turbulence of adolescence, honesty rises to the top. And not just the kind of honesty where we tell the truth about what happened last Thursday. I mean a broader, more courageous form of honesty— intellectual honesty, emotional honesty, and honesty with ourselves . Dishonesty and the Trust Equation Teens sometimes hide the truth—sometimes to avoid consequences, sometimes out of fear of disappointing parents, and sometimes because they simply can’t yet articulate what they’re feeling. Parents, too, may avoid full honesty in an attempt t...

By Stephen C. Schultz The language we use to describe problematic sexual behavior (PSB) is evolving. And it’s long overdue. For years, young people have been labeled with terms that reduce them to their worst moments: “Sex offender.” “Predator.” “Perpetrator.” “Aggressor.” Words that erase their humanity, ignore their developmental stage, and reinforce stigma instead of healing.                                                Here’s what’s shifting: Person-First Language Not “a sex offender” → “a teen with problematic sexual behavior (PSB).” This identifies what he is struggling with rather than defining who he is. Not “a perpetrator” → “a youth who caused harm.” This recognizes accountability without assigning a permanent or adult-level label. Not “a predator” → “a young person who needs support and intervention.” This focuses on his capacity to lea...