Parenting Children - September 14, 2012

Day 31 - The Power of Listening - Part II

Show an interest

• involves effort and generosity
• listen to what appeals to your child(ren)

Avoid shutting them down

• value their ideas
• allow them to express negative feelings such as disappointments, embarrassments, sadness, anxiety, and anger.

Reflect back

• repeat back to your child what you think he or she is saying
• reflect back to your child some of his or her words, but not in parrot fashion, as that can be annoying
• concentrate on reflecting back the feelings you think your child is trying to express, e.g. it sounds like you feel upset or frustrated or sad?
• reflective listening will help your child(ren) to frame their own feelings

Question:
Complete the attached worksheet.

From Series: "Parenting Children Ages 0-10"

Study Guide

More Messages Associated With "Family"...

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  • we all listen through filters but often we are unaware of them
  • when someone is speaking, our own memories, attitudes, prejudices, physical environment, lack of interest, etc. all affect what we hear
  • some of the time we are listening more to ourselves than to the other person
  • effective communication requires us to control the conversation in our mind

Take a look at the diagram below.  What filters are, or have been, part of your usual listening process?