Communication's Top Ten

A great habit to start with your children while they are young is "Talk Time". This is a special time set aside each day for you to spend one on one time with your child to find out how he or she is doing. If you have more than one child give each child their own special time. This habit will strengthen the parent/child relationship and keep lines of communication open between you and your child as they grow older. Establishing a specific time will create anticipation in young children and freedom of expression in older ones. This is a time when kids know they have your undivided attention to share with you whatever they would like. A great time to start this is when the child starts preshool.

10 Ways To Communicate With Your Child

1. Set aside time each day to talk with each individual child. Make communication
a habit for both of you.
2. Choose the best time to talk for you: when everybody is well rested, well fed
and not feeling rushed.
3. Learn to listen and give complete attention so that your child feels valued. The self esteem benefits will last a life time.
4. Encourage Responses by asking questions that require more than a yes or no
answer.
5. Choose the right language by using words and concepts that your child can
understand.
6. Have patience and let your child explain, don't interrupt or jump to conclusions.
7. Show respect through courtesy and interest, be sure to avoid sarcasm or put
downs.
8. Think before you speak and be sensitive to your child's feelings. You don't
need to rush in to fix-just be patient and listen. Sometimes just talking through their problems will help children come up with their own solutions. Let them ask for advice before you give it during talk time.
9. Tell your child "I love you" often, a child who feels cherished is more likely
to talk.
10. As children get older into teen years, avoid talk stoppers such as commands,
ultimatums and judgement. Talk Time needs to be a safe place for kids to
express themselves.