How To Improve Communication With Children

Effective communication is crucial in all walks of life, whether it is family, business, or personal relationships, so it’s strange that we pay such little attention to developing effective communication at a young age. Read on for more information on how to communicate better with your children. 

Body Language 

Children are very perceptive; they know when you are listening when you are half-listening, and when you are occupied somewhere else. Body language plays an important role in this. Also, remember that your child is like you; what they care most about is their current dissatisfaction. 

If you notice that your child wants to say something, stop what you’re doing and kneel down, face them, look them in the eyes, and listen to them openly and without any judgment. Children also notice big gestures, so if you make body language bold, you are more likely to connect. 

Emotions 

Children experience strong emotions like adults, but unlike adults, they have less skill in managing them. When a child feels afraid, they might crouch or look away; when they feel angry, they might stamp the ground; and when they feel happy, they might run around in circles. 

In some ways, this makes your job as a parent easier because it means you can identify their dominant emotions more easily. Once you identify these emotions, you can choose to show empathy, validate them, or help them to calm down or decompress with some active listening.   

Validation 

Validating emotions is very important for children and adults. Our emotional lives are very important, and when we are not seen and understood by the people we love and respect, it can be painful and upsetting. Learn to validate your children’s feelings with communication methods. 

One of the simplest ways to validate a child’s emotions is to relate back to them what they have said or to clarify how they feel. If you suspect your child is upset because it’s too dark to play outside, ask them if this is the reason and give them the chance to affirm or clarify how they feel. 

Empathy 

There’s no doubt children have strong emotions from time to time that they have trouble regulating. They might become upset that you are leaving them with the babysitter, for instance, or they might get angry with you for sending them to bed early. Try to understand their viewpoint.  

We can’t expect children to react and behave like adults; instead, we have to think more like children. Step into their shoes and see the world from their viewpoint, ask yourself what need is not being met at the moment and let the process lead you to a response that might work.  

Check-ins 

Check-ins are opportunities for people to speak more deeply about their lives and experiences at  www.pollockclinics.com. Check-ins are excellent for any age, but they are especially good for children learning to communicate more maturely. Create space in your lives for planned or spontaneous check-ins; they help you to connect with your child more deeply and develop effective communication.