Listening To Children

While trying to cook tea, do the dishes and jot down notes for work, my sons tone seemed to get the better of me, as I turned to look at him he said “what do you think I should do” it was then I realised although I was making all the right yes I’m listening noises I had not heard a word he had just said to me.

With the hectic lives we tend to live now there seems to be a slip back to the old age expectation that children are “to be seen and not heard”. Listening to children is important for their development and growth. One of the easiest ways to empower children is to listen to them: listening boosts their self-esteem.

Listening to each other in a family improves the quality of family life and everyone feels cherished. The best time for a family to listen to each other is during meals. While television may have its benefits in certain regards it has not only destroyed the art of reading but also the art of conversations within families.
I remember seeing on Super Nanny (one of those beneficial TV moments) she recommended a family try “5 minutes of darkness” each night with each child. This involves getting the child into bed ready for sleep, turning off the light then just listening, if they have nothing to say then it is silence but within this silence the child will learn that you are there to listen and they can talk about whatever is important to them. If they do talk the darkness may help them talk about things they may be embarrassed about or feel afraid to discuss. What a great way to make an effort to build on our listening skills.

There are some great listening and trust games we can play with our children also to improve our communication. They will love guiding you around the house and yard blindfolded while you listen carefully for every instruction they give you. I think you will be surprised in this game as to who the best listener is.

Kelly