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From : www.kidsource.com

“You never listen to me” is a complaint heard as often from children as parents. Good communication helps children and parents to develop confidence, feelings of self-worth, and good relationships with others.

Try these tips:

> Teach children to listen. Gently touch a child before you talk. Say their name.

> Speak in a quiet voice. Whisper sometimes so children have to listen. They like this.

> Look a child in the eyes so you can tell when they understand. Bend or sit down. Become the child’s size.

> Practice listening and talking: talk with your family about what you see on TV, hear on the radio or see at the park or store (Talk with your children about school and their friends)

> Respect children and use a courteous tone of voice. If we talk to our children as we would our friends, our youngsters may be more likely to seek us out as confidants.

> Catch children and teens being good. Praise them for cooperating with you or their siblings, or for doing those little things that are so easy to take for granted.

> Use door openers that invite children to say more about an incident or their feelings.
“I see,” “Oh,” “tell me more,” “No kidding,” “Really,” “Mmmhmm,” “Say that again, I want to be sure I understand you.”

> Praise builds a child’s confidence and reinforces communication. Unkind words tear children down and teach them that they just aren’t good enough.

> Children are never too old to be told they are loved. Saying “I love you” is important. Writing it in a note provides the child with a reminder that he can hold on to.

> Give your undivided attention when your children want to talk to you. Don’t read, watch TV, fall asleep or make yourself busy with other tasks.