Are you teaching and practicing listening skills?
The most important part of communication isn’t talking—it’s listening. And listening skills are crucial for your child’s success in school.
Answer yes or no to the questions below to see if you are showing your child how to become a good listener:
___1. Do you try to give your child your undivided attention when she’s talking? If you’re busy, say, “I’d love to talk about this after I cook dinner.” ___2. Are you patient when you listen? Sometimes, it may take a while for your child to actually say what she wants to say. ___3. Do you avoid interrupting your child when she is talking and ask her not to interrupt you? ___4. Do you “listen” to your child’s behavior? A child who is acting up is communicating a need. ___5. Do you avoid chiming in with the “right” answer? Instead, listen as she thinks through what to do.
How well are you doing?
Mostly yes answers mean you’re teaching your child how to listen. For each no answer, try that idea.
Find more great articles in the December 2021 issue of Parents Make the Difference!® newsletter.
Reprinted with permission from the December 2021 issue of Parents make the difference!® (Elementary School Edition) newsletter. Copyright © 2021 The Parent Institute®, a division of PaperClip Media, Inc.