By the late 1960s, rural youth seemed to have become very similar to urban youth in their value orientations, aspirations, and behavioral patterns. As a result of the changing moral standards, alternative family forms, and new forms of community life, youth need help in selecting among the various alternatives. Therefore, one of the most important felt needs youth have is for effective adult counseling. Yet, this need has often been neglected or given low priority. For the most part, "counseling" exists only in reference to rather superficial, group-based programs located in the schools. The breakdown in communication between the parent and child that often occurs during adolescence can prevent parents from serving their counseling needs. The possibility for improving the potential of parents as counselors will largely depend on resolving to some extent the communication problems. Therefore, both parents and youth need to be sensitized to the natural transformation occurring in their relationships and what this may require in terms of mutual accommodations. This can be done through nondirective ways, i.e., panel discussions, buzz sessions, and television programs focusing on the needs and problems of local youth. Appended is a "Nondirective, Self-Implemented Instrument for Initiation of Parent-Youth Communication" which consists of two forms, one for the parent and one for the child. (NQ)