How to Build Successful Two-Way Communications with your Child

How to Build Successful Two-Way Communications with your Child

One of the most frustrating challenges we face as parents is
communicating effectively with our child. Though we strive to open an
honest two-way line of communication with our child, we become
frustrated when it appears their attention isn't solely on us or the
conversation at hand. Yet we seem to find it's perfectly acceptable
to discuss things with them while reading the paper, folding clothes,
or working on the computer and then are often left wondering when the
lines of communication broke.

Children are by nature easily distracted and not always responsive to
their environment. It is the responsibility of the parent to emphasize
positive patterns of communication and ensure the child learns that
ignoring communication is not acceptable. Early prevention, in the
form of educating your child about the proper forms of communication,
is the key to ensuring that the non-verbal agreement does not take
hold. Teach your child by example. Remain completely and totally
focused on them and the conversation at hand. Turn off the television;
allow calls to go to the voicemail, or go in a room where there are no
distractions.

Talk to your child, and explain to them in age-appropriate terms how
they are communicating and why their method doesn't work. Show your
child how to communicate effectively using intercom systems for home,
even when the questions are hard.

Make yourself an active listener. Let them voice their opinion or side
of the story and ask questions to ensure you understand their
viewpoint. kidde smoke alarms

Be constant in the manner in which you communicate with you child.
Send the same message with each and every interaction. Allow your
child to see that you will call their attention to those times that
the unwanted behavior rears its ugly head.

Kids will be kids and they will sometimes be distractive and
non-communicative. You are the expert in knowing your child's
behavior and can best judge the improvement in their communications.
The best way to ensure healthy communication patterns is to model
positive communication skills.