As a parent, balance can be a hard thing to find! It is easy to get caught up in a long to-do list – making dinner, the laundry, going to work, school – you name it a parent is doing it. In all the business, how can we show our child that we are present?
One way we can to show our children we care and prepare them for adulthood is to practice and demonstrate active listening with our kids! Listening helps prepare our kids to open up to us with larger challenges, hopes and dreams.
According to the CDC, active listening is a good way to improve your communication with your child. It lets your child know you are interested in what she has to say.
To practice active listening:
- give your child your full attention
- make eye contact and stop other things you are doing
- get down on your child’s level
- and reflect or repeat back what she is saying and what she may be feeling to make sure you understand
For examples and additional information about emotions with your child read the full article here.
Nonverbal communication can also be important when interacting with your kids, especially as they reach those middle school and high school years.
Check out some additional tips for listening to your child and download a resource for coping skills from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Strong4Life.