INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Backtalk is a disrespectful response to a parent in the form of yelling, cursing, eye rolling, or even sarcasm. It occurs as a way to fight back, but all it does is create conflict. Learning to manage knee-jerk reactions helps to show parents that you respect their authority. Recognize the problem first. If you realize the problem and want to change it, you've already taken the biggest step. It takes maturity to understand the differing perspectives and reactions between kids and parents. Apologize to your parents. Admit to your parents that you have disrespected them, and ask them for their assistance as you attempt to change your behavior. Take a mental "time-out." The next time you are tempted to say something disrespectful, take a second to regroup before speaking from emotion alone. Take into consideration what your parents are saying, and where they are coming from. The majority of our communication comes from not what we say, but how we say it. It's in the tone of your voice, your eye contact, and the way you move. Be sure that your nonverbal signals demonstrate respect and understanding. Avoid crossing your arms. This shows that you are defensive and not open to communicating. Watch your tone. Avoid being sarcastic or raising the tone of your voice. This shows that emotions are beginning to take over instead of logic. Try speaking in a calm and controlled manner instead. Make eye contact. This shows that you are genuine in what you are saying and that you are interested in hearing what your parents have to say as well. In the heat of discussions, you may veer off point and discuss any and everything that is causing you anger, pain, or stress. Try to stay focused on a single point of discussion so you can work through your problems one at a time without getting overwhelmed. Check for unresolved problems before beginning a conversation. If you know you're holding onto anger or pain, they can be a hindrance to effective communication. Clear up any unresolved issues (one at a time) before attempting to move forward. At the beginning of your conversation, make an agreement with your parents that you will only focus on one issue at a time. If either of you seems to be straying from the topic, politely remind each other to stay on topic. Parents are not always right, but that doesn't mean you have to be disrespectful in the process of proving your point. Instead of getting into a shouting match with your parents, calmly and rationally get them to see your point of view. Write it out. Consider what point you're trying to get across to your parents, and write out reasons and examples that will support your argument. Talk to them at a later time. Reschedule your discussion for a time when emotions aren't running high. Instead, choose a time when your parents aren't busy or stressed to sit down and calmly present your argument. Use "I" statements to get your point across without being defensive. "I" statements consist of the behavior that is bothering you, how it makes you feel, and what needs to change.. For example, instead of saying, "you never listen to me" you could replace the statement with "I feel as if I'm not being heard, and I would like my opinion to matter more." Allow your parents into your world. Tell them about school, your job, your crush, or anything interesting that you might not have shared previously. Share any worries or fears with your parents, as they've probably been through something similar before. By engaging them in genuine conversation it shows that you both trust them, and care about their opinion. Trust them with your secrets. Of course, you won't feel comfortable telling your parents everything, but showing them that you trust them with a small secret will demonstrate your appreciation towards their wisdom. Don't be afraid to show emotions. It's okay to show fear, anger, nervousness, joy or any other emotions with your parents. Allowing them into your life is just a small gesture to show them you care.

SUMMARY: Don't talk back. Watch your body language. Don't bring up the past. Agree to disagree. Engage in open conversation.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Insert the needle through the wrong (back) side of the canvas. Choose a space at the top left of your canvas or at the top left of a block of color. Bring the needle through a space on the right (front) side of the canvas that is diagonally-adjacent to the stitch on the right side. Then, repeat the same stitch to create a stitch alongside your first stitch. Work from left to right in a row across the canvas, and then work the stitch back along the row in the opposite direction. As you sew the second row, the second diagonal stitch should go through a space that already has thread going through it. This will help to reduce the visible canvas behind the thread. Insert the needle into the space where you want to begin working the continental stitch. Then, bring the needle up diagonally and down through the stitch adjacent and to the right of that stitch. Then, come up through the next space in the row beside where you started the stitch. Continue to work across the row going from right to left. Then, work back along the next row going from left to right. Make sure to insert the needle through spaces that already have 1 stitch in them on your second row. Work this stitch diagonally starting at the top right hand corner of the area. Bring the needle down through the space that is diagonal to this space. Then, bring the needle back up through the space that is diagonally adjacent to this stitch, and repeat the stitch. This stitch creates a pyramid like stitch design. It allows good coverage of the canvas with the least distortion and should be used in large areas. Insert your needle through the canvas where you want to begin the stitch. Bring the thread all the way through the canvas and pull it taut. Then, insert the needle into the second stitch up from where you brought the needle out. Bring the needle back through the canvas next to where you started the first stitch. Use a thick thread, yarn, or multi-strand piece of embroidery floss to create the brick stitch. You can also try the Bargello or long point stitch for a more advanced vertical stitch.

SUMMARY:
Do a half-cross stitch for a simple stitch that covers a small area. Use the continental stitch to provide more coverage over an area. Try basketweave stitch to provide full coverage over large areas. Do the brick stitch for a vertical stitch with good coverage.