Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. ~ Psalms 127:3 (KJV)
Here’s 20 Simple Ways to Communicate with Your Child
1. Listen to them when they talk – Actively hear what they have to say when they are talking.
2. Ask about their day at school – When they get in the car, ask what they did, how they felt and what is going on in their life.
3. Share a family meal – Many families eat dinner together as a way of catching up on each other’s lives.
4. Make time for family time – Have a family game night or just a set aside time when you discuss current events and what is happening in the family.
5. Maintain eye contact when you are talking to them – This lets them know that nothing else is holding your attention but what they have to say.
6. Ask follow-up questions – If they give you a one-word answer to your first question, ask another.
7. Show respect – Speak to them with respect no matter what their age. Belittling them is just as hurtful as when others do it to you.
8. Read body language – Your child may say they are fine but their mannerisms may suggest otherwise.
9. Tell them you love them – You can never say it enough!
10. Encourage them to talk – Children have opinions, too. Listen to them. Sometimes they can really surprise you!
11. Always be honest with them – Even stretching the truth creates a bad example. Avoid hypocrisy.
12. Talk about when you were a kid – Kids want to know they are not alone.
13. Accept their right to their emotions – Sometimes they might feel sad or even angry. Teach them how to deal with these emotions in a godly way. (Stories from our Bible heroes are perfect examples to share.)
14. Encourage their interests. God’s given them talents…and they often discover these through their own interests.
15. Act like a kid – Live a day in their shoes. They’ll have lots of fun being silly with you and will open up the communication doors.
16. Support them. Who doesn’t like feeling that someone supports them?
17. Share their interests. It’s one thing to encourage their interests…but sharing their interest means getting involved yourself and discovering more about their interests with them.
18. Let them help cook dinner. Cooking together makes memories. Funny things happen sometimes when you cook and this will allow you to laugh together too.
19. Avoid saying hurtful things to them. Simply treat them the way you would want to be treated. Sometimes the truth hurts, but just be wise in the words you choose.
20. Touch them – Give hugs, kisses and pats on the back. They need our love.
Let your kids know how you feel and encourage them to do the same. Communicate with them.
Do you have any special tips to share about communicating with your children? I’d love to hear from you in the comments section below. 🙂
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