Listening without prejudice

How to respect your children by listening to them

"You never listen to me" is a complaint heard as often from children as parents. Good
communication helps children and parents to develop confidence, feelings of self-worth, and good relationships with others. Try these tips:

. Teach children to listen by gently touching a child before you talk or saying their name.

. Speak in a quiet voice. Whisper sometimes so children have to listen.

. Look a child in the eyes so you can tell when they understand. Bend or sit down in order to     become the child's size.

. Practice listening and talking: talk with  your family about what you see on TV, hear on the radio or see at the park or store.

. Talk with your children about school and their friends.

. Respect children and use a courteous tone of voice. If we talk to our children as we would our friends,our youngsters may be more likely to seek us out as confidants.

. Catch children and teens being good. Praise them for cooperating with you or their siblings, or for doing those little things that are so easy to take for granted.

. Use door openers that invite children to say more about an incident or their feelings. "I see," "oh," "tell me more," "no kidding," "really," "mmmmmhmmmmm," "say that again, i want to be sure i understand you."

. Praise builds a child's confidence and reinforces communication. Unkind words tear children down and teach them that they just aren't good enough.

. Children are never too old to be told they are loved. Saying "I love you" is important. Writing it in a note provides the child with a reminder that he can hold on to.

. Give your undivided attention when your children want to talk to you. Don't read, watch TV, fall asleep or make yourself busy with other task