Most of us will agree that good communication between parent and child is one of the keys to good parenting though it is easier said than done. Good communication is important not only for a parent’s current relationship with the child, but is also something that will stand the child in good stead throughout life.
Here are some communication tips that will help forge a better and closer bond between parents on the one hand and the child on the other-
1.One of the golden rules of communication is to listen and not just hear. If you want that a child should listen to you, make sure you return the complement.
Many family counselors speak of children telling them that their parents “just don’t listen”.
This may have something to do with the fact that your child doesn’t listen to you perhaps?
2.Start as you mean to go on. Start communicating with your child very early on in life, even before he or she develops language skills.
3.Foster trust in a child. Let the child known and understand that you are there for them no matter what and that you can deliver on that promise. Trust can be the cornerstone of any relationship, and the parent-child bond is no different.
So it is important for a parent to be truthful and honest and to be consistently so.
4.“Because I said so” is not a good enough answer to give a child. A reasonable explanation for why something has to be a particular way should be forthcoming, otherwise it’s like challenging a child to break rules.
5.One of the things that family counselors frequently note when they speak to tweens and teens is their desire not to have their parent(s) embarrass them. Speaking derisively about the child, speaking about them as though they aren’t present, making a joke at the cost of the child can all deeply wound a child, though the parent may not realize it.
6.Break the cycle of argument. If a child starts to whine, then a parent can make it clear that the discussion is not going anywhere and that it can continue only when the child is out of “whine mode”.
7.Also when a fight or argument ensues, have a time out for a few seconds to let frayed tempers cool and to restore both sides to a more rational frame of mind.
8.Consider the child’s perspective. This can help immeasurably in letting a parent empathize with a child and fostering better communication.
