Healthy communication provides an essential foundation for any solid and healthy relationship, including that between a parent and child. Little ones yearn for a nurturing connection with both parents. However, sometimes life’s painful events, such as a divorce, can negatively affect children and even result in decreased communication. In this post, we will discuss how to continue establishing a solid relationship between you and your child by improving communication.
Methods for Improving Parent and Child Communication
If you’re a parent, then you’ve most likely experienced an uncooperative child or two, at one time or another. Unfortunately, some parents resort to force or violence in order to get their children to do what they want them to do. In truth, this does not work. It may only result in the deterioration of your relationship with your child.
Instead, we can learn how to communicate more effectively with our children, and help them gain a better understanding of what is expected of them through healthy communication. Below are some useful methods to help you communicate more effectively with your child.
Listen more than you talk
While many people may enjoy talking about themselves, it can be boring for others to listen all the time. And if the other person is very chatty but doesn’t allow others to speak, then the communication process crumbles.
This is why it’s important to reflect and express that you have heard what children are saying, and follow up by asking for more details about how they feel. By doing this, you can avoid explosive arguments, and you will even get to know your child better.
Reveal your feelings
In addition to listening to what your child says, it’s also essential to reveal your own feelings. This will keep your communication open and honest. Let your child know what matters most to you. Tell children if you are unhappy due to major life changes, such as a recent separation or divorce. Also, remember to avoid using an excessively strong tone of voice. Doing so is more likely to lead to an argument.
Read books
Books can be helpful sources of information regarding parenting, and relationships in general. Some books can offer suggestions and tips for parents who wish to improve parent and child communication. This is especially true when it comes to complicated relationships between divorced parents.
It can be helpful to read books together with your children or let them read them on their own. This can enable you and your child to gain a better understanding of each other’s feelings and views.
Communicate with your child’s other parent
In situations in which the parents are no longer together, communication is even more important. If possible, communicate all issues regarding your children with the other parent in order to resolve these issues jointly. This will help you work as a team more easily. You and your former partner will also be better equipped when it comes to making parenting decisions.
If you cannot agree about an issue, or simply want to avoid talking with your former spouse, there are other approaches you can try. Express any emotions you may have been holding in during their visitation days. This allows each of you to say things that have been bothering you without the fear of being judged by one another. In turn, it helps improve your relationship as well as that of your children.
A child who has two parents who are equally involved is more likely to grow up to become a happier and more confident adult. Children whose parents communicate effectively tend to be better-adjusted than those who grow up with a lack of communication between parents.
And remember, the best way to improve parent and child communication is by involving both parents when possible. Of course, there will be times when you are not able or willing to involve your former spouse in the upbringing of your children. Therefore, it’s vital that children understand they are still loved despite the parental separation.
Remember, communication is a two-way street. You may believe that you have a strong relationship with your children, but that does not necessarily mean they share the same feeling towards you. It’s also vital for parents to maintain a positive relationship with their former spouse’s family members, if possible.
Healthy communication can help both parents and children form stronger bonds without resorting to violence or forceful measures. Finally, always remember that you are facing this challenge together with your child since it’s no longer just about you anymore.
The Pillars Christian Learning Center offers programs from infants to school-age children. For more information, contact us today.