Parents/Children Communication

It is very important for parents to be able to communicate openly and effectively with their children. Relationships between parents and their children are greatly improved when there is effective communication taking place. In general, if communication between parents and their children is good, then their relationships are good as well.

On the other hand, communication between parents and children that is ineffective or negative can lead children to believe that they are unimportant, unheard, or misunderstood. Such children may also come to see their parents as unhelpful and untrustworthy.

Parents who communicate effectively with their children are more likely to have children who are willing to do what they are told. Such children know what to expect from their parents, and once children know what is expected of them, they are more likely to live up to these expectations. They are also more likely to feel secure in their position in the family, and are thus more likely to be cooperative.

Ways To Communicate Positively With Children

• Start communicating effectively while children are young.
• Learn how to really listen.
• Regularly schedule family meetings or times to talk.
• Avoid Negative Communication
• Be Forgiving (Communicating During Conflicts).
• Negative Communication That Parents Should Avoid (Nagging, Lecturing, Critizing, Interrupting, Dwelling on the Past, Trying to Control Children through use of Guilt, Using Sarcasm, Using Threats & Lying).

Communication Builders. Here are some examples of things parents can say to their children to help open the lines of communication:

"I'd like to hear about it."

"Tell me more about that."

"Would you like to talk about it?"

"That's interesting."

Effective, open communication takes a lot of hard work and practice. Parents should remember that they will not be perfect. Parents make mistakes. What is important is that parents make the effort to effectively communicate with their children starting when their children are very young. The result will be a much closer, positive relationship between parents and their children.