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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Home is a place where teenagers learn how to build healthy relationships.

  • Teenagers learn to relate through observing adult relationships
  • If parenting together, invest in your relationship (take our marriage course!)
  • If parenting on your own, build the best relationship you can with the other parent, when possible
  • Nurture other adult friendships
  • Mealtimes together – teenagers learn to talk, listen, debate issues, and respect others’ views
  • Regular family time – having fun together ias a family helps build relationships between parents and children and between siblings (consider having a weekly “family night”)

How can you intentionally model healthy relationships with others in your life, for your teenager to learn from?