Talking and listening to your child

Wachanga psychologist Maria Miller has recommendations for parents - how to act in difficult situations and maintain a good relationship with your baby.

When a child tries to say their first word or phrase, this is a huge, long-awaited event for parents. But there comes a time when your baby begins to chat without stopping, and this gets pretty tiring for adults. After all, we adults have so many things to do, and often we just don’t have time to listen to our kids. However, the way you listen to your child will end up determining how well you communicate with them - whether he or she will tell you about their joys and sorrows, share problems, and not only during childhood, but also as adults.

In order for a child to feel their thoughts and feelings are important to you, even from early childhood, you need to learn how to listen to them correctly. Try to be sincerely interested - a child will know you’re being insincere. Talk to your child very calmly, and be interested in what they want to tell you.

It is important to children that you show full interest in their problems and feelings, in the process of communication. Do not interrupt your child. Respond with a nod or exclamation, change facial expressions depending on what they say. The kid should feel and see that you are listening to them. At an early age, when your baby is just learning to speak, this style of communication also encourages them to improve their speech.

Don’t act distracted while listening to your child. Don’t rush them or correct them- let them fill out their thoughts. Help only when your baby really needs it.

In no event should you express you’re tired of talking to your kid, or that you are not interested. In the event you really need to stop the conversation, like an important matter that needs tending to, then tell them honestly, and promise to return to the conversation a little later. Be sure to listen to your child when the time comes.

Even the smallest baby is a person who wants to communicate, and share something new with loved ones. And a child, like an adult, can be offended by indifference, or disinterest by those close to them. A child is unlikely to tell you that, but they’ll keep their emotions buried deep inside.

Be attentive to your children!