If we (as parents) have had a bad day or are just busy, it can be tempting to brush off our children’s problems. However, our children need to know that we are going to listen to them.
Active listening is a skill and way to improve your communication with your child. It shows your child know you are interested in what she has to say. To practice active listening:
- get down on your child’s level
- give your full attention to your child
- make eye contact and stop other things you are doing
- reflect or repeat back what s/he is saying or may be feeling to make sure you understand
This helps by letting your child know that you care and it will make it more likely our children will talk with us about their hopes and problems when they are older.