Are You Listening?
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How often do you and your child really listen to each other? Focus on these steps to improve communication between you and your tween.
- The first step is to
limit your words. Anything you say should be limited to simple one or two words.
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Be comfortable with silence. Silence can make many of us uncomfortable, but if we can learn to be comfortable with this step, we can gain some new and helpful information.
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Listen non-judgmentally. Try to open yourself up to feel as your child does without showing any anger or frustration.
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Make short statements of empathy and understanding. This will show that you are genuinely concerned and care about what your child is saying,
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Be aware of both your nonverbal cues. Tweens are very aware of body language. Be aware of negative messages that you may be sending without meaning to.
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Resist external distractions. We are all very busy, but when you are listening to your tween, make a concerted effort to resist anything that may be a distraction.
By following these simple steps, you will surely be on the right track to better communication with your tween.