Mumma, you know what happened at school, my friend…
Oh! Please baby, stop it. You have just come and started talking. We will talk later; I have some office work to complete.
How many times has this happened to you? Most of us as parents do this unintentionally. Now imagine if you come back from work and have something exciting to share and this is the response you get from your partner, parents or siblings?
I am sure it will be very upsetting.
Kids are full of energy and excitement all the time. They can’t pause and have no filters. They just want to share everything with you.
But do we have time to listen to them?
As technology continues to grow, children are exposed to things before they know them. They are curious about stuff that may or may not be suitable for their age. Peers are an immediate source of information after technology. Right or Wrong, Gossip or Real it does not matter. When they have so much going on in their minds, do they have the courage to talk to their parents? Do we as parents, have time to listen to them?
Timing is important…
Sometimes, they just want to talk casually about school, their friends, studies, etc. But sometimes they look for your undivided attention or perfect timing to share something that needs special concern. As parents we are always involved in our stuffs- households, office, deadlines, meetings and most of all always stressed.
Some talks need a special place and special timings. For a child, it is difficult to open up if the conversation is more than just a casual talk.
Instances like being bullied in school, unfair behavior by friends that maybe disturbing his peace of mind cannot be shared casually. More than 80% of parents don’t trust their children and try to hush-hush the matter. Do you think this is right?
If as adults our work pressure can be stressful or our job can be a nightmare, then some issues for your child can also be the same.
The point is as parents; we tell the child to open up with us, share with us. However, are we ready to listen to them, give them undivided attention and space to share? And most importantly do we trust them?
Learning to listen to your child is an important aspect of parenting. It helps build a strong and healthy relationship between you and your child.
Here are a few tips to improve your listening skills and strengthen your relationship with your child.
- Be present: Be fully present when your child speaks to you. Put away your phone and other devices and give your child your undivided attention.
- Use active listening: Active listening involves paying attention to what your child is saying and responding in a way that shows you are engaged and interested in what they are saying, like nodding, maintaining eye contact, and asking questions.
- Validate their feelings: When your child expresses their feelings, validate their emotions by acknowledging how they feel. This can help them feel heard and understood.
- Avoid interrupting: Try to avoid interrupting your child when they are speaking, as this can make them feel like their thoughts and feelings are not of importance.
- Be patient: Sometimes, it may take your child a while to express their thoughts and feelings. Be patient and give them the time to communicate what they want to say.
When children learn to express themselves, it builds up their self-esteem and confidence. Show them you are always there for them. Nothing is more comforting than knowing you are valued and heard.
Respond to your children with love in their happy moments, most difficult moments, lonely moments, frustrated moments and in their most unlovable human moments that they most need to feel loved.
Well written for all those parents who has little time for kids
Family first
A fascinating discussion is definitely worth comment. I think that you ought to publish more about this subject matter, it may not be a taboo subject but typically people dont talk about these issues. To the next! Many thanks!!
Thank you so much for a nice feedback.