Encouraging Parental Reflective Functioning in Caring for the Adolescent Patient: Opportunities to Foster Connection

Abstract

Parental reflective functioning is the capacity for parents to understand how their actions and those of their children are affected by both their thoughts and emotions. Strong reflective functioning skills can be especially helpful for families of adolescents, to build understanding and connection during a time of great developmental change. This article offers pediatricians ways that they can encourage and strengthen parental reflective functioning while providing anticipatory guidance and supporting families through times of conflict or stress. [ Pediatr Ann . 2023;52(11):e409–e412.]