Table of Contents
The two things you will want to keep in mind during communication with your kids: patience and self-control. Since most kids are inclined to be impetuous, they may blurt out whatever is on their minds. They might even interrupt your adult conversation. Instead of instantly rejecting them or casting them aside, it would be better to listen politely. After this, you should kindly remind them to be polite. This will give them a good example of self-control they should follow. Anyone who has tried this method with their own kids has found it most helpful. Of course, we all want our kids to seek us out when they have a problem or need guidance. It would be the best to have your kids grow accustomed to talking about any problems they’re having at night before they go to bed. You could make it as a routine of story time, and then ask them if there is anything they would like to talk about.
Adolescence as a difficult period for communication
Adolescence is a very difficult time for your children; their bodies undergo changes, and these affect their emotions. Your approach to their problems may have to change in time. It is also very important for parents to take the initiative to start a conversation. This will not be an easy task for those who have not kept the lines of communication open with their children during the last few years. When your child finally does become a teenager, you’ll want really to take the time to understand their needs and wants. It will not be the same as when they were young children, because it’s much harder to communicate effectively with a teenager then with kids. It is best to think back to when you were young and try to put yourself in their shoes. Most young adults want to feel needed and appreciated, so you should also expect to have some measure of resistance to restrictions that you will need to implement as they approach their teen years.
Do not let your authority be ignored or overruled during communication. Keep in mind that this is for your children’s own good. When problems do arise, it is important that you try to understand and not make major issues out of minor things they are complaining of. Besides this, you should not let another person’s opinion affect the way you raise your children. You know your child better than anyone else, and no one should be able to communicate with them better than you can. You have the power of control over your children, but it must be reinforced with knowledge and understanding. You will make mistakes, as every parent does, but what is important is how you handle these mistakes.