Effective Communication

Effective parent-child communication is the foundation for building your child’s self-esteem and fostering loving, supportive relationships with others. Keep the lines open and listen actively to what your child has to say…

• get your head physically on the same level as your child’s when you talk
• use words and phrases that your children understand
• avoid including too many ideas in your messages
• repeat what your child is saying to you using different words
• give clear and consistent instructions defining the exact behaviour you want
• make sure your nonverbal messages do not interfere with or contradict your verbal messages
• make your messages complete and specific
• pay full attention to your child and maintain eye contact with him or her to enhance communication
• avoid thinking about your reply before listening to everything your child has to say teach your children not to interrupt and model that behaviour yourself
• ask what, how and why questions that promote discussion rather than questions requiring only yes or no answers
• praise your child for asking questions…
• be alert to body language and respond in kind just as you do with friends

Encourage responsibility…

allow your children to solve as many of their own problems as they can

• let your child answer some of his/her own questions
•  do not do things with a child that he/she can do for himself
• encourage your child to take risks
•  praise accomplishments
•  invite and consider your child’s thoughts and feelings
• allow your child to make mistakes
• assist your child in weighing choices and examining consequences
• communicate your support to your child
• increase your child’s responsibilities
•  praise your child without words by using smiles and hugs