Buzz
Parents who resist vaccinating their children might seem so disconnected from mainstream thinking that it's difficult to understand how they arrived at their conclusions. But they likely had supportive friends and family who, at the time, didn't know how to respond.
Shaming isn’t effective, even though it might feel tempting. However, you can be the one to have a productive, empathetic conversation that guides the person away from conspiracy theories and toward science-backed approaches to keeping their children safe and healthy. Before the conversation, you can use Verywell's 'conversation coach' to rehearse what to say.
It’s not a complex AI full of anti-vax clichés, but rather a guided tool that helps you navigate towards more constructive questions and responses. For example, when a friend expresses concern about the risks of vaccination, instead of jumping into defense mode, the coach suggests saying, 'Ok, why would you think that?'
The first step to having a productive conversation is listening to the other person, followed by agreeing on common goals, such as ensuring the safety of children. The coach also offers tips on steering clear of conversation distractions—like avoiding the temptation to argue about Big Pharma.
If you’re talking about your own child, there’s a version of the bot designed to help you navigate a conversation with your partner. Verywell also provides a guide for discussing your concerns with your doctor, which you can bring to your appointment for a more thorough discussion.
