Keeping the
Communication Line Open by Faten Abdallah
Now that the children are in school, it is important to leave the communication line open because questions, issues, or concerns may arise where parental guidance is needed. Communication between parents and their children may weaken if not properly used. Everyone has busy schedules, so it is easily to put communication on the backburner until some free time is available which may be too late. Children are constantly growing and learning about the world around them. Often times, they may not understand why certain things occur, or they misunderstand a wrong thought as being correct. This is where parents should step in to communicate with their children. It is up to the parents to work on strengthening the communication line between themselves and their children because children learn family values and behaviors from their parents. Children learn that their family may prioritize certain beliefs or characteristics. Communicating should be an important characteristic for children to value. Some parents may argue that time limits their ability to encourage communicating with their children. Or other parents may feel tired after work to communicate with their children like they should. Strengthening or encouraging communication does not have to be time consuming or a tiresome activity. Communication comes in many different forms and methods, so use them to your advantage. Here are tips on how to strengthen the communication skills in the family: Don't let television be the main focus in the family time. It is ok to use it as an educational tool to emphasize what you are trying to teach or communicate with your children. If your children happen to catch something inappropriate on television and they want to ask questions, be sure to discuss why it is inappropriate. When sitting with your children, ask open-ended questions. Open-ended questions are questions that require complete thoughts or sentences, where yes-no questions only require "yes" or "no." By asking open-ended questions, your children must think and reflect on their day. Be patient as children come up with answers. This skill may take time to acquire. Not all children may be able to verbally communicate well. Find out the best way your children can communicate. Some may communicate through writing or drawing. If so, allow your children to use those skills to communicate their ideas, thoughts, questions, and emotions. Never allow your children to feel shy, embarrassed or uncomfortable in communicating with each other. This may lead them to shut down their communication skills. Teach your children to respect other different point of views. Show them it is ok to have different opinions and ideas. Building communication skills take time and effort. With proper planning, your family may be able to communicate with each other, teaching your children important values and characteristics. Children will be able to face the world with confidence. |
Self Help