Providing a space and opportunity for communication is a key to building an open relationship with your child. Below are ways to foster a space and maximize your opportunity to connect and hear your child.
Notice when your child is most likely to share thoughts and feelings. Is it morning, afternoons, evenings, during dinner, or in the car? Identify times and places when your child has been more responsive. Also know when it is unlikely that conversations will be successful.
Establish a weekly one-on-one activity with your child or adolescent. Focus your energy on that one activity with your child. Be present and intentional with that time. Letting go of electronics, errands, and other distractions shows your child that you are invested and interested in your time together.
When your child is talking, stop what you are doing and listen with focus and intent. Let your child speak without adding your own input. Let your child complete his or her thoughts without interruption. This can be difficult at times when you may not agree with your child. Focus on your child’s feelings and not your own.
Understand the intent and your role in the conversation. Your child may just want or need a listening ear. They may be seeking advice or help in solving a problem. Clarify your role in the conversation to help support and honor your child.
Parenting can be difficult at times. When life feels busy and rushed, it can be hard to notice the opportunities where you could strengthen the communication lines between yourself and your child. Set the intent for this week to take that pause and listen.
The information for this article was referenced from the American Psychological Association. Please refer to www.apa.org for a more information about parenting or other topics of your interest.
Each month a local mental health therapist will discuss an area of mental health. This months contributor is Kelly Senty, MA, LPCC. Kelly is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor working in private practice at Steps of Change LLC.
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