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10 Ways to Get Your Kids to Talk to You
by Mark Brandenburg
Parents can often be frustrated by their kids’ unwillingness to share their lives with them. Whether your kids are
toddlers or teens, there will be times when it’s difficult
to “break through” and find out what‘s really going on.
Here are ten ideas on how to create opportunities for your
kids to open up and share their lives with you.
1. Don't try so hard to get them to talk.
The harder you try to get them to talk, the more they'll
resist you. When you relax the pressure a bit, they’ll sense it and be
more ready to talk to you.
2. Slow down your own life and be available.
Kids have a keen sense of how busy you are. If you're
providing enough down time for you and your kids, they'll be
more likely to feel comfortable talking to you.
3. Engage in a physical activity that they enjoy.
Shooting baskets, playing soccer, or a game of catch may
have your child chattering away. Moving the body can serve
to move the mouth as well!
3. Engage
in a physical activity that they enjoy. Shooting baskets, playing soccer, or a
game of catch may have your child chattering away. Moving the body can serve to
move the mouth as well!
4. Be as non-judgmental as possible.
If your kids feel they won't be judged when they talk to you
they'll have no reason to hold back. Have a sense of
curiosity and wonder about what they’re saying, and limit
the lectures about what’s right or wrong.
5. Use open-ended questions .
Questions that begin with "why" tend to create
defensiveness, and yes or no questions won't get you much of
a response. Learn to use questions that will stimulate
conversation. “What did you notice about that picture?”
works better than, “Did you like that picture?”
6. Use the car as a place for conversation.
You've got them and they can't get out! Don't allow video
games or other toys to interfere with your opportunity to
talk with them.
7. Reflect back what you hear from them.
It's still the best way for your kids to feel heard and the
best way to encourage them to expand on the subject.
8. Talk to them while they're coloring, painting, or
drawing.
Using these activities to allow your kids to express
themselves can have them expressing themselves to you as
well. And joining in on the activity yourself can produce an
even greater sense of connection and sharing.
9. Provide opportunities for fun and excitement .
Whatever the activity, when your kids are doing something
they love to do they'll want to share it with you. Provide
these for your kids and listen to them talk about it
afterward!
10. Be a parent, but be a friend as well .
While you must be a parent first, being a friend to your kids
will help them to want to share with you. Don't overdo
the strict parental stuff.
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