Parents and their children may face communication challenges while living under one roof. Children may feel that their parents are too involved in their private lives, while parents may feel that their kids are keeping secrets from them or, worse, don’t trust them.
If you live in a cozy house and lot in Camella Sierra Metro East in Antipolo, Rizal, with your kids, there are things you can do to help them be more open with you about sharing their thoughts, feelings, and stories. Here are some ways you as a parent can build good communication with your children:
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Use car rides, grocery shopping, or casual exercise in your Camella Sierra Metro East amenities area as opportunities to converse with your children. Instead of playing music during this time or being too preoccupied with the task at hand, use these moments to casually talk to your kids. Try to ask their opinions on matters, even when choosing which brand of grocery item you should purchase.
These casual conversations will help your kid get used to talking to you about how they think about certain things.
It is normal for kids and teenagers to feel unimportant, especially when you don’t listen well to what they say. When you converse with your kids about simple or important matters, showing that you listen well translates into caring about them and respecting their opinions. Once they see your genuine concern, the more they will be inclined to share more with you and listen when it is your turn to speak.
If you hear something from your kid that you disagree with, do not butt in immediately. Let them finish first, or allow them to explain why they feel like that toward a matter. After their turn to speak, commend them for opening up with you, then respectfully share your opinion about the matter.
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If you want to check up on your child, you may create an informal setup in your home. For example, you may prepare a picnic on your Camella Sierra Metro East balcony and make that an excellent opportunity to ask them if they’re experiencing any problems with school, friendships, and other concerns.
It is best to avoid using gadgets during your conversation so that both you and your kid can give undivided attention to each other.
If you want to start conversations with your kids, it is best to avoid asking answerable questions by yes or no. Asking questions such as “What happened at school today?”, “Who taught you how to make this recipe?” or “Can you show me how?” will help them realize that a yes or no answer is not sufficient to answer the questions you raised.
When you are having meaningful conversations with your kids or teenagers, asking why they think that way or why they prefer one thing over the other will help you realize the reason behind their actions, words, and decisions. These will help you learn more about your kids, and this will show that you care about them because though you may not entirely agree with what they want, you do your best to understand why they want this or that.
Everyone has bad days; your kids have that, too. If you sense that your child is busy with a school deadline or too disappointed with a matter, it is best to give them time to relax and gather their thoughts before engaging in conversation.
The same goes for you. It is important that when you talk with your kid, you are not anxious about work or too tired. That way, both of you can contribute something meaningful to your conversation.
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You’ve been a kid once too, so you can empathize with what your kids or teenagers are going through. If you realize that they are pretty shy to share with you what’s happening with their lives, you may share with them your childhood stories that reveal your own mistakes and embarrassing moments.
That way, they may feel more comfortable sharing with you if they are undergoing similar experiences.
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