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"

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  • having a vision for our familu life
  • pausing to think about what we want to achieve
  • what will our children’s memories be of us and their home in twenty years, time?

Goals for our family life

When they are adults, will our children associate their upbringing with:

  • having fun together as a family?
  • being listened to?
  • being able to talk through difficult choices?
  • being encouraged and affirmed?
  • being valued for their unique personality and gifts?
  • knowing they are loved?
  • learning important values of honesty, generosity, etc.?
  • learning to think about others?
  • being prayed for?
  • having clear boundaries for their own protection?
  • seeing kindness modeled?

The importance of play

  • using their imagination
  • learning skills
  • playing on their own
  • playing with others
  • indoor and outdoor play
  • limiting screen time

Did you have fun with your family growing up?  When do you have the most fun together as a family now?

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