Kuala lumpur: Assertive communication, which involves expressing one's emotions and needs honestly while respecting others, is crucial in preventing family crises such as domestic violence and mental health issues. National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) Family Wellbeing Division, Counselling and Intervention Unit senior assistant director Rasidah Sulaiman emphasized the importance of this communication style in maintaining healthy family dynamics.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Rasidah highlighted that aggressive or passive communication, where feelings are often suppressed, can contribute to prolonged conflict in a household. She noted the main challenges facing families today include a lack of time and increasingly distant interactions due to the use of electronic devices, which can hinder meaningful sharing of emotions and thoughts.

Rasidah explained that assertive communication involves expressing needs and feelings honestly while respecting others' rights and feelings. This approach differs from aggressive communication, which can trigger arguments and domestic violence, and passive communication, which involves suppressing feelings and can lead to prolonged conflict. She shared these insights during her appearance on the seventh episode of the KASIH Lensa Keluarga podcast produced by Bernama TV.

In discussing communication with teenagers, Rasidah advised parents against giving direct advice or issuing rigid instructions, as teenagers learn more effectively through observation. She stressed the importance of providing teenagers with space to be heard and cautioned against making assumptions about their behavior.

Rasidah encouraged parents to invest quality one-to-one time with their spouse and each child, considering their individual personalities, to strengthen family bonds. She also urged those facing communication difficulties or mental health crises within their families to seek counselling services from LPPKN to find appropriate solutions.