Communication
Communication
Communication is one of the most vital aspects of parenting. It may also be one of the hardest. We can define communication as "any sharing of meaning between two (or more) people." Communication involves not only what we say, but how we say it. It involves both verbal and nonverbal language. For example, we can express love verbally by telling children that we love them, or nonverbally by giving them a hug or a smile. As we discussed in the last module, communicating with children is important to positive parenting as it helps parents guide and understand their children better.
Effective communication takes time and practice, whether we are communicating with a child, a coworker, or a friend. One of the techniques to improve communication is to be a good listener. Children often have a great deal to say, but we may not listen closely or pay attention to what they are saying. Building a strong relationship involves really listening to what children say and then asking them relevant questions about themselves, their feelings, and their interests.
Experts also recommend sending clear messages that are encouraging or positive. Today's parents are often busy individuals with multiple responsibilities. It can be easy for parents to slip into using negative or discouraging language when talking to or disciplining their children. How often have you heard a parent say things like, "Stop doing that," "Hurry up; I don't have all day," "I don't care what everyone else is doing; you're not doing that," "Don't just stand there," "Clean your plate," "Don't run in the house," "Can't you get anything right?" "Why can't you just do what I tell you?" "Why do you have to be so loud/annoying/frustrating?"
These are just a few of the things that parents commonly say to children. Some of the language and messages may be even more negative and discouraging for children. Parents often use language like this as they try to get children to do something or to learn some
Communication is one of the most vital aspects of parenting. It may also be one of the hardest. We can define communication as "any sharing of meaning between two (or more) people." Communication involves not only what we say, but how we say it. It involves both verbal and nonverbal language. For example, we can express love verbally by telling children that we love them, or nonverbally by giving them a hug or a smile. As we discussed in the last module, communicating with children is important to positive parenting as it helps parents guide and understand their children better.
Effective communication takes time and practice, whether we are communicating with a child, a coworker, or a friend. One of the techniques to improve communication is to be a good listener. Children often have a great deal to say, but we may not listen closely or pay attention to what they are saying. Building a strong relationship involves really listening to what children say and then asking them relevant questions about themselves, their feelings, and their interests.
Experts also recommend sending clear messages that are encouraging or positive. Today's parents are often busy individuals with multiple responsibilities. It can be easy for parents to slip into using negative or discouraging language when talking to or disciplining their children. How often have you heard a parent say things like, "Stop doing that," "Hurry up; I don't have all day," "I don't care what everyone else is doing; you're not doing that," "Don't just stand there," "Clean your plate," "Don't run in the house," "Can't you get anything right?" "Why can't you just do what I tell you?" "Why do you have to be so loud/annoying/frustrating?"
These are just a few of the things that parents commonly say to children. Some of the language and messages may be even more negative and discouraging for children. Parents often use language like this as they try to get children to do something or to learn some