Keep Talking: Conversations with Our Kids When They Want Us Least but Need Us Most

by Jen Shoemaker Davidson

Parenting doesn’t come with a manual. But fellow mom Jen Shoemaker Davidson is here to offer straight talk and practical strategies for establishing loving and trusting communication to last a lifetime.

When her own kids entered their teenage years, Jen realized she had important topics she wanted to share with them—but getting them to open up and talk to her would take her full commitment to showing up, even when it was hard. What started as simple “life lesson lunches”—intentional times to sit down and focus on important conversations—became a tried-and-true philosophy for fostering connection throughout their teenage years.

In Keep Talking, Davidson has created a trusted companion for parents navigating the meaningful—and often messy and embarrassing—conversations essential for maintaining open communication with your kids. Through her practical tips and tools, here’s just a glimpse of what you’ll and end a conversationBe an active and thoughtful listenerHandle silence when that’s their answerBe less judgmental and anxiousInstill confidence and a growth mindsetAvoid pushing perfectionMaster the art of an apologyWith sample conversations to help you get started, Keep Talking offers parents open and honest guidance without judgment, delivered with laughter and love.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction

133 pages, Paperback

Published January 27, 2026

About the author

Thank you so much for your interest in my book. I truly believe it will make a meaningful impact and help strengthen the way you communicate with your kids.

Reviews

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What sets this book apart is its deeply personal and conversational tone. The author, Jen, doesn't preach or pretend to be perfect—instead, she shares relatable stories from her own parenting journey. The book’s core message is that communication is a two-way street.
This is not just a parenting book; it's a relationship book. It's a reminder that the goal isn't to control our kids, but to connect with them. I never thought I’d be encouraging my kids to talk back to me but in the best possible way.

[Kristina Koser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Finally a parenting book that doesn’t feel like I’m being talked “at” or down to. The author has obviously been through it and while her experiences are not going to be like everyone else, the book provides insight on different scenarios and approaches. It is written in a format perfect for busy moms using organization and humor to glide you beautifully through until the end. I wish I would have been able to read this as my daughter was growing up but found myself using some of the ideas when I recently went and visited her at college. Parenting is such a hard job and I appreciated feeling like the author understood. Awesome read!

[Heidi Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great, easy read and feels like a conversation I would have with any of my mom friends when we are comparing parenting notes. I love the reminder that we need to keep the lines of communication open even when we are getting shut out by our teens or getting those dreaded one word responses or eye rolls. Davidson does an excellent job of keeping it real and I enjoyed her own experiences sprinkled in.

[Evelyn Adam]

Keep Talking by Jen Shoemaker Davidson is a practical guide for parents navigating tough conversations with their kids. Drawing from her own experience with teenagers, Davidson provides strategies for fostering trust, active listening, handling silence, managing judgment, instilling confidence, and modeling apologies. With sample conversations and actionable tips, the book helps parents show up consistently, even when it’s hard, to maintain open, loving communication that lasts a lifetime.

[Jill Hammond · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little gem of a book has stayed with me since reading it. I find myself thinking about the author’s advice when my teenage son says something in casual conversation. Take every moment to keep him talking. This book includes useful wording for entry into difficult conversations in a casual way including, yes, condom how-to’s and consent. I’m happy to report I’ve had the talk!

[Julius Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keep Talking is an insightful and practical guide for parents navigating the teenage years. Jen Shoemaker Davidson shares strategies that truly work for building trust and meaningful communication. Her “life lesson lunches” idea is brilliant and easy to implement. This book is full of heart, humor, and guidance every parent needs.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's nothing revelatory here, but it felt as though a good friend was gently reminding not to take the actions of my tweens/teens personally and to keep talking and listening to them. Solid advice.

Thanks to Sole Publishing, via NetGalley, for the ARC!

[Deanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are interested in the author and parenting tips you could try this book.