Stop, Look, Listen! Steps to Better Parenting Communication

As a parent is seems that the majority of your day is spent trying to get your children to listen to what you are trying to teach them. Make them understand how to me a responsible child. Convince them to make the right choices. Kids call these lectures. Some parents call them friendly reminders or teaching opportunities.

Dean Rusks said, "One of the best ways to persuade others- is with your ears!" There are three steps that may help you to remember to use better listening skills can help you achieve more effective communication with your child. Just three small words. Stop. Look. Listen.

STOP what you are doing. Put your child on your lap or sit beside them so you are at their eye level. This tells your child that they are important and that they now have your full attention.

LOOK your child in the eye. Maintaining good eye contact during a conversation is a good way to recognize important non-verbal behavior. Your child's posture, body movements and gestures can tell parents a lot about how their child is feeling.

LISTEN and really hear what your child is saying. You can give your child clues that you are listening bu nodding, smiling or raising your eyebrows. These kind of communication signals will encourage your child to open up to you and feel they are being understood.

Randall A. Wright gives a parenting test in his book Building Better Homes and Families. See how you rate.

  • Do You look at your children when listening to them?

  • Are you trying to understand how your children feel instead of thinking how you feel about what they are telling you?

  • Do you raise your voice in anger at your children who interrupt you while on the phone or when you are visiting with guests in your home?

  • Do you listen patiently to all that your children have to say before you start talking?

  • Are you truly interested in what your children tell you?

  • Do you expect your children to stop what they are doing and listen when you need to tell them something?

  • Do you stop what you are doing when your children have something important to tell you?

  • Do you listen in a way that encourages your children to express their real feelings?

  • Do you listen with affection to your children?

    About The Author

    Author Rachel Webb designs 100% Magnetic Fridge Calendars in order to Schedule Family First. 5 affordable designs made entirely out of heavy duty magnet http://www.Note-Ables.com or Rachel@Note-Ables.com and mention this publication for a $2 off Coupon!

    In The News:

    • pen paper and inkwell


    cat break through


    Understanding Why Your Child Has Been Recommended for Testing

    You have just received a call from your child's teacher... Read More

    Picky Eater - Fighting the Good Fight

    Often, the struggle at dinnertime with your picky eater is... Read More

    Missing The Bus

    As a step daughter and step grand daughter, I followed... Read More

    Spanking Children

    Results of the Spanking Poll on Rexanne.com: Voters - 233Percentage... Read More

    Is it Attention Deficit Disorder or is it Tourettes Syndrome?

    During the assessment process it is of great importance for... Read More

    How Two Quarelling Kids Helped Invent the Better Behavior Wheel

    When David was nine and Laura was twelve, the battles... Read More

    Useful Jogger Stroller Accessories

    There are many useful jogger stroller accessories out on the... Read More

    The Cost of Competition on Kids

    The subject of competition is one that provokes some pretty... Read More

    Healthy Eating Alone Is Not The Answer

    Along with eating healthier we need to be more active.... Read More

    My Best Buddy

    My son, Dakota is now 7 yrs old. He is... Read More

    The Family Guy - Parenting From a Single Dads Perspective

    It was a hot summer day in august and The... Read More

    Moms - Get More Energy Now

    Let's be honest! When it comes to parenting, men expect... Read More

    The Reticular Activating System, and its Role in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

    In our last article about the neurology of ADHD we... Read More

    Bless Your Child With The Name

    What a dreamer I am when thinking about parenthood. Most... Read More

    Vision: 20/20 Is Not Enough!

    Now is an excellent time to have your child's vision... Read More

    Family Meals: When Dinner Schedules Dont Match

    Mealtimes together deserve an important place in any family. Around... Read More

    Parents Role in Helping with Car Wash Fundraisers

    As a parent you will be asked to assist with... Read More

    Hurting from the Outside - In: The Rise of Self-harming

    Ask any teacher or adolescent counselor what the most disturbing... Read More

    Alias: Aptitude

    Be aware. You may become totally overwhelmed when you get... Read More

    Back to School Feng Shui

    Every school year parents and students dutifully trudge through the... Read More

    Safe From Strangers

    There are few thoughts as terrifying as the abduction of... Read More

    Let Kids Help

    One fantastic way to get your children involved in what... Read More

    The Theme from MASH - Suicide is Not Painless

    The Theme from MASHI flipped the button on the remote... Read More

    New Mom...New Baby...New Debt?

    Ah, there is nothing like being an expectant mom. Along... Read More

    Defrazzle with Hug Therapy

    "Hugging is healthy: it helps the body's immunity system, it... Read More

    Back to School - Disappontment?

    Our back-to-school buying habits do not help kids succeed in... Read More

    Non-Compliance in Your Children, Some Tips for Parents

    Non-compliance is the family therapist's big word for your child... Read More

    Childs Play: Treating The Insanity of the Mental Health System

    In today's mental health system there is a pattern of... Read More

    How to Take Charge of the TV

    Many children enjoy TV, and they can learn from it.... Read More

    What Are Your Children Really Watching?

    Saturday mornings. Cold cereal and Scooby Doo. How many parents... Read More

    The Thing with Quality Time

    It's funny how people seem to think that they have... Read More

    Should We Apologize To Our Children?

    An apology is a sign of strength, not weakness. Sometimes... Read More

    Personal Responsibility: What It Means and Whose Job is It?

    "How many times do I have to tell you to... Read More