Parenting Children - September 14, 2012

Day 31 - The Power of Listening - Part II

Parenting Children Ages 0-10

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.

Related Topics: Children, Family, Listening | More Messages from Parenting Children | Download Audio

From Series: "Parenting Children Ages 0-10"

Study Guide

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1. Recognize it’s a long process

  • typically it takes at least eighteen years!
  • help them to realize that talking through an issue that has upset them is more productive than behaving badly

2, Try to find the root cause of the anger

  • listen to your child
  • HALT – are they Hungry, Anxious, Lonely or Tired?
  • may not be easy to work out root cause – they may not know
  • if we don’t find the root cause, they can become angrier or suppress their emotions, leading to rebellion later
  • create environment of openness and honesty to encourage communication

Complete the attached worksheet.

 

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