Listen To Your Child

Communication is all about listening and talking, and this is the key to a healthy connection between patents and children. But parenting is tough work and maintaining a good connection with teens can be challenging, especially when parents are dealing with many other pressures. However parents have to prioritize things and attend kid's needs and concerns. This is all possible when parents know about their children thoroughly.

Communication will help a lot to understand your kid. But kids, particularly teenagers wont be open with parents rather parents have to be proactive in establishing strong communication with chilhdren and open up a channel to reach out child's heart. Listening to kids is first step to perfect communication. Here are few tips elp you to lay a path in this direction: Find a time when your kids are most likely to talk, for example, at bedtime, before dinner or in the car when travelling together and make sure that you are available for them. Initiate the conversation, because it lets' your Kids know that you care about what's happening in their lives. At the same time don't be curious, rather build the confidence so that children prefer to share their feelings with you.

Find time on weekly basis for a one-on-one activity with each child and that's a fixed date with your child only. Avoid scheduling all other activities during that time.Also, learn about your children's interests as they keep on changing — for example, favorite music, frienfs and activities and show interest in them. Initiate conversations by sharing what you have been thinking about rather than beginning a conversation with a question.

When you are listening to them always respond instead of reacting.Never put down their opinions rather try to understand their perceptions. Focus on your child's feelings and be patient while listening to them rather than pumping out your own thoughts during your conversation.

Happy parenting!!!

...Bhavana