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How to Help Your Child Talk to You continued...
Children will talk more with
you if they know they can share their concerns and feelings without
being interrupted or corrected. You want to encourage them to
talk openly and freely and not lecture or threaten them if you
get upset. The trick is to accept that children make mistakes
as they learn and to express your values and opinions in ways
that invite discussion, rather than shut it down.
Once you set the tone for good
communication with your kids, be ready to hear what they have
to say. This means dealing with subjects that make you uncomfortable
or perhaps stir up painful childhood memories. There’s no
getting around the fact that some conversations will push your
buttons or make you feel unsure of your parenting abilities.
When that happens it is important to discuss the matter with
a supportive adult in your life or get some coaching or counseling
on how to handle a particularly difficult situation.
All of your efforts will be more
successful if in addition to becoming an effective communicator
with your child, you make the effort to become an informed one.
You need accurate and up-to-date information on a number of issues
that affect your child’s emotional and physical well being,
so that you can be a helpful resource.
Learn about issues that affect
your child and teen by reading, watching DVD’s, attending
parenting workshops, getting counseling or joining a support
group. A partial list of topics follows:
- Impact of family conflict on
children
- Depression in children and teens;
suicide
- Obesity and healthy weight management
- Effects of media on emotional
health and social development
- Sources and management of stress
in children and teens
- Risky behaviors such as drugs,
alcohol, sexual behavior, and gangs
- Child personal safety including
protection against sexual predators
- Bullies; how to ensure your
child won’t become a bully or a victim
Communicating in an informed,
effective way with your children has exponential rewards. It
is one of the best investments you will ever make.
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About the Author:
Paula Statman, M.S.S.W. is an internationally respected educator,
speaker and award-winning author. Her practical, positive approach
to raising safe and strong children has benefited hundreds of
thousands of parents. Paula is a repeat guest on Oprah and the
Today Show, has appeared on over 200 radio and television programs,
and is featured in publications such as Parents, Child, Redbook,
and USA Today.com. The founder and director KidWISE Institute,
Paula lives in Oakland, California with her husband and daughter.
For more information visit www.kidwisecorner.com. |
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