Recent studies indicate that only 7% of communication is verbal. No wonder we struggle so to hear what is being said!
Here are some tips to work on listening well to your kids:
- Physical posture – keep an open posture; be on their eye-level; and pay attention to their posture and tone of voice;
- Emotional engagement – turn off other noise and tune in to the discussion; clarify meaning of statements made; label emotional words that communicate anger or hurt; and validate the emotion expressed;
- Spiritual grounding – prayerfully invite God into the discussion before, during and after the dialogue; and reference applicable scripture to keep opinions in perspective;
- One-on-one time - schedule regular time with each child to practice active listening; dating your daughter or taking your son out for ice cream are great ways to work on listening well.
As you work to listen well, relationships will be strengthened and you will become a hero in your children’s eyes.
