What is the purpose of reflections in communication with youth?

The purpose of reflections in communication with youth is to let them know you've heard what they've said. This technique involves paraphrasing or summarizing what the youth has expressed to demonstrate active listening and understanding. By using reflections, a communicator validates the youth's feelings and thoughts, which can create a sense of trust and encourage openness in the conversation. It reinforces the youth's engagement and promotes a constructive dialogue where they feel acknowledged and respected.

In contrast, expressing agreement with their statements does not necessarily engage the youth or demonstrate understanding of their perspective. Providing information on their behavior, while potentially useful in certain contexts, does not focus on active listening or validating their feelings. Changing the topic of conversation detracts from the interaction and may further isolate the youth or make them feel unheard. Thus, the core function of reflections is to enhance understanding and enhance communication by confirming that their message has been received.