Read the text below. Fill in the blanks with the words from the box.
1) permission, 2) failing, 3) conversations, 4) unsupportive, 5) react, 6) disappointed

Raising Difficult Topics
Maybe you need to break bad news to a parent, like getting a bad mark or _____ an exam. Or maybe you just really want to tell your parents about your new boyfriend or girlfriend, but you don’t know how they’ll ______. So, how can you prepare for that talk? First, know what you want from the conversation. Most often you’ll probably want the adults in your life to do one or more of these things:
- simply listen and understand what you’re going through;
- give ____ or support for something;
- offer you advice or help;
- guide you back on track if you’re in trouble – in a way that’s fair and without harsh criticism.
Then, recognize how you’re feeling – for example, maybe you’re worried that telling parents about a problem will make them _______ or upset. But instead of letting those feelings stop you from talking, put them into words as part of the conversation. For example:
“Mom, I need to talk to you – but I’m afraid I’ll disappoint you”
“Dad, I need to talk to you about something – but it’s kind of embarrassing”.
What if you think a parent may be _____ , harch, or critical? It can help to defuse things by beginning with a statement like, “Mom, I have something to tell you. I’m not proud of what I’ve done, and you might be mad. But I know I need to tell you. Can you hear me out?”
Approach your parent when he or she isn’t busy with something else. Ask, “Can we talk? Is now a good time?” Driving in the car of going for a walk can be great opportunities to talk. If it’s hard to find a good time, say, “I need to talk to you. When is a good time?”
Difficult ____ benefit from good planning. Think ahead about what you want to say or ask. Write down the most important ideas if you need to.