Listening Skills

Parents ...I love ya...but most of you who have children with behavioral problems are not very good listeners.

I see it over and over. This simple well intended mistake to keep telling your children how to feel what to do is making your children not want to listen to you, cooperate with you, take your advice, or respect you. (among other things)

When children try to talk or express themselves, parents interrupt constantly.

Parents please try to learn how to be a better listener. It makes parenting much easier. Listening will give you much more insight about your child. Listening shows respect for what someone else thinks or feels. Listening is easier than talking and most is useless info anyway. Parents do not have to address every little thing that a child states. Save your breath for important issues.

Listening means listen, just like the way parents expect children to listen. Listen, not just hear the words. Stop thinking about what you want to say or what you want your child to be saying. Listen with your ears and your heart. Hear and understand what is being said. Clarify what is meant. Be sure you understand the intention of what is stated. Listen quietly. Ask questions?
Be interested genuinely. This is your precious child taking the time to share their thoughts and feelings with you. What they are saying is important to them.

Listen like you wish you they would listen to you and they probably will learn to do so!