The key to a good relationship with your child is communication. Most humans spend the majority of their lives trying to find ways to communicate better with others. It is an essential skill and one that should be fostered in every young person.
Effective communication means expressing yourself clearly, concisely, and honestly so that those around you understand you. It also means listening carefully and responding thoughtfully to what others are saying. These skills can be learned, but it takes time and practice for them to become second nature.
Here are some tips for helping your child develop effective communication skills:
Listen, Understand & Respond Appropriately
Listening is an important part of communication. It’s not just about hearing what someone says; it’s also about understanding what they mean when they say it. So when your child talks to you, listen closely and try to grasp the point they are trying to make. Show interest in what your child has to say by asking questions and encouraging more discussion of their thoughts and feelings.
Respond appropriately to what your child has said. If you don’t understand, ask for clarification. Don’t talk over their head or interrupt them; let them finish their thought before responding.
Use Words Your Child Will Understand
When you speak to your child, use appropriate words for their age and ability. This way, you can make sure they understand what you’re saying.
In addition, be sure to speak to your child in a simple, clear way. Use short sentences and avoid complicated words unless they’re necessary to explain something. Avoid using sarcasm or humor when talking with your child; they may not understand what you mean.
Use Positive Reinforcement
When you give your child praise, make sure it’s sincere and specific. This will help them understand what they did well and how to repeat that behavior in the future. For example, you could say, “I like that you cleaned up all of your toys; now we can play together!”
Positive reinforcement is a great way to encourage your child’s good behavior and help them feel good about themselves. Also, your relationship will be strengthened because you give your child the attention and appreciation they need.
Reading Books Together
Reading books together is a fun way to spend time with your child and helps you bond. You can also use it as a teaching tool by pointing out words, asking questions, or discussing what’s going on in the story. When reading books together, ensure they are age-appropriate, so your child doesn’t get bored.
Your child will likely enjoy reading anthologies of short stories and collections of jokes and riddles. After you’ve finished reading a book together, be sure to discuss what your child learned from the story. This allows you to reinforce your bond and help them understand the importance of why the story was included.
Don’t Raise Your Voice
When we’re upset with our kids, it’s easy to raise our voices or yell at them angrily. But yelling negatively affects your child’s development and can make it harder for you to understand what they’re saying. Instead of yelling, keep in mind that you want to communicate clearly without raising your voice or using harsh tones.
Don’t be afraid of silence, and allow your child to absorb what you’ve said. The more calmly you can speak, the clearer and more effective your message will be.
Conclusion
Always remember that communication is an ongoing process that you’ll need to work on throughout your relationship with your child. You may make mistakes along the way, but if you’re patient, understanding, and persistent, you can develop a strong relationship that lasts for many years.
Andrea Gibbs is the Content Manager at SpringHive Web Agency, where she helps create content for their clients’ blogs and websites. She is currently a blog contributor at Montessori Academy, a blog dedicated to helping parents with the ins and outs of parenting children within the Montessori tradition. She enjoys spending time with her family and dog when she isn’t writing.
