The Art & Science of Listening to Your Child
11
The Art & Science of Listening To Your Child A reliable method for improving communication between you & your child. Copyright © 2012 www.paintedgold.com
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Make improvements in your family life by simply improving the quality of listening in your home.
Transcript of The Art & Science of Listening to Your Child
The Art & Scienceof ListeningTo Your Child
A reliable method for improving communication between you & your child.
Copyright © 2012 www.paintedgold.com
The Science First...because it's easier.
Schedule in regular time for intentional listening. (If you are having behavior challenges, I would set aside considerable listening time. This can really help you get a handle on the situation.)
Start with several blocks of small time; such as (4) 10 minute blocks a day.
Be available
Simply make yourself a part of your child's world during these listening times.
Ask an occasional question
such as "what are you doing?"
or "you look like you enjoy that.
What about it do you enjoy?"
just to keep the doors of
conversation propped open a bit.
This is about her...
Keep it all about your child. Focus on him at this time. Give him plenty of eye contact and let him take the
lead.
Build a foundation
Keep it positive and light - for the time being. Go deep as you and your child get into a more
comfortable rhythm.
Make it personal
Begin and end with a hug plus an "I love you and really enjoy spending time with you."
Now the Art...
Put up with discomfort and pauses. This is going to take repetition and time. Approach this as a time you are learning about your
child...you are!
Be gentle and persistent
Listen with your heart. Gently probe deeper with some of your questions. Don't worry or be offended
if you're rebuffed or met
with silence. That's fine.
Just drop back to a
lighter topic.
Put Your Child in the Driver's Seat
Ask your child to explain something he's doing or enjoying that you don't understand.
Kids love to "be the teacher" so be a cheerful and willing student.
The Gift of Self
Enjoy your time with your child.
Nothing speaks louder than giving your child the gift of your time. Kids are smart. They know you could be doing a million other things. And you're there. With them. Very cool.
Oops!
The True Value in Your Home
Treat what you're hearing as though it's extremely precious. Because it is.
Have a tough time seeing yourself following through with these ideas? See the article directly below this slide show for more help.
