Communication is an essential part of any relationship and how to make it possible is not such a thing that everyone has already learned. It is a skill that is developed by age and when we are talking about to make communication effective with children, it takes some patience and effort.
There are two kinds of communication. First is verbal communication and second is non-verbal communication.
Both are important in their own way because they play a significant role in overall communication.
As a parent, it becomes necessary to learn to communicate with our child. The sooner you learn, the sooner you will see the benefits.
Verbal Communication
1) Be an Attentive listener
The basic rule of communication is you have to listen first to your child. Every time try to understand what your child wants to say and what are their inner emotions.
What they actually wanted to say. Because young children face difficulties in expressing their emotions.
They are still figuring out how to understand their own emotions.
Even teenager also feel discomfort discussing their emotions. So, the communication makes it easier to get into their world to understand their emotions and about what they are up to.
Don’t be in a hurry to speak or lecture. Give them space and time to express their feelings and talk.
2)Â Â Â Make your words Empathetic
Your words have huge potential if you properly use them.
After listening to your child’s talk if you find that they have some extreme emotions, then always show empathy in your words.
Your empathetic words make your child more comfortable. They feel that their words have been heard and they are being accepted as they are.
3)Â Â Â Work on your Body Language
Our body language is as important as our words. When you are making conversation with your child make sure your gestures and body language go along with your words.
Children can sense that how we interact with them. If they see that our body language and words are not going hand in hand, they will feel disconnected.
This makes your communication less effective.
If you are communicating with toddlers bend down, go to their level of height, and make eye contact. This will make them feel comfortable to speak and connected.
Even when you are making communication with your child (young child, teenager, young adult) always make eye contact with them. This will make your child to be more confident and connected.
Communication is the key to a healthy relationship with your child. So, never miss the opportunity to connect with them.
Non-Verbal Communication
Non-verbal communication includes hugs, kisses, and gentle rubbing of hairs or shoulders or back.
Your touch can play a significant role in communication. Just imagine that your child feels low for some reason, you want to give them some advice but this is not the right moment to do so.
What will you do to make your child comfortable?
Just sit next to your child, give a long and warm hug and that’s it. Your child will feel the warmth of your love and can pour out all his emotions.
Maybe s/he is still unable to speak what’s going on but they will definitely feel good by your non-verbal communication.
This is just an example. The high five, your eye contact, facial expression, patting the back, anything can say a lot more than your words.
You have to explore how it works.
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