Nine Important Tips to Help You Communicate Effectively With Your Children
Indeed, one of the biggest keys to a healthy relationship between parents and children is constant and valuable communication.
Significance of Good Communication In the human body, the circulatory system plays a major role in sustaining life.
This is because it is responsible for carrying and distributing oxygen and nutrients to the different parts of the body as well as eliminating wastes and carbon dioxide.
Hence, interference and disorder in this system can gravely affect the body's normal functions and can lead to serious conditions and even fatality.
Communication works in the same way as the circulatory system.
It is essential in bringing forth and enhancing positive things in every connection while also smoothing over problems and taking away undesirable elements that can usually be mended by mere communication.
As a parent, you should always keep this in mind even as you interact and relate with your young children.
You must always treat your kids like adults in terms of the vital principles involved in communication.
For instance, you have to remember that children of all ages wish to be heard and respected.
Thus, you ought to talk to allow them to express their feelings, thoughts, and opinions.
Give them a chance to have a say at household decisions.
You will reap the rewards of greater self-esteem, a sense of belonging, deeper bonding, and mutual respect if you consistently practice good communication with your children.
Helpful Tips for Effective Communication with Children Here are nine helpful tips that you can apply to improve communication with your children: 1.
Keep it Private.
Privacy is important when dealing with your kids.
This means that all conversations should be held behind closed doors in order to avoid disruptions from others.
Also, kids will not feel put on the spot or embarrassed in any way.
2.
Encourage Mutual Respect.
It is important to earn your kids' respect and not force it.
You can do this by listening to what they have to say and also by not giving them any reason to feel ashamed or humiliated.
3.
Maintain Composure and Levelheadedness.
You need to be objective whenever you communicate with your children or you will not be able to achieve your goal and things may only get worse.
Thus, you have to remain composed at all times; don't lose your cool.
4.
Use Positive Words at all times.
Do not label your children or call them names such as "lazy," "stupid," and "dumb.
" It is better to focus on the behavior itself and to use more positive and encouraging words.
5.
Stay Away from Distractions.
When you are speaking with your kids, especially about an important matter, you have to eliminate all sorts of distractions and interruptions.
Turn off the TV or radio and give your full attention to the conversation.
Also, be sure not to interrupt while they are still talking.
6.
Check your Physical Condition and Position.
You have to be in good physical condition before having the "talk.
" This is to ensure you are more objective as opposed to conversing while you are tired and weary.
Moreover, you have to stoop down when talking to them so that you are eye to eye instead of you looming over their heads.
7.
Keep the Communication Line Open.
It is best to confront your children with any information that you may know or have heard of.
However, you must remain factual and not accusatory at all.
Also avoid saying things like "I know what is best for you" and "you will only talk when I am done.
" 8.
Know How and When to Use Praises.
It is always helpful to use praises in appropriate moments.
This is to reinforce their attempts to communicate well and effectively.
For instance: if they remain polite despite their anger, then you should definitely say something like "Thank you for...
" or, "I appreciate that you...
" 9.
Give Plenty of Opportunities to Speak Up.
Treat your children as adults by giving them a lot of opportunities to speak their minds and participate in important conversations in the household.
As a result, they will feel special and valued.
Implementing these tips will help you establish a better communication line with your children as well as a healthier and lasting relationship with them.