Communication is a key part of any successful relationship. Whether in business or personal relations, such as communication between parents and children.
Little wonder it is always emphasized as a key tool to work on. Moreover, it is important to note that communication is a successful transfer of ideas or thoughts through various mediums from one person to another.
Parents and their kids share a special relationship, and like any other, they also have their challenges. So for communication to be successful, it is necessary both parents and children do their part.
Here are 7 tips to help improve the communication between parents and their kids. First, we discuss the tips for the children and then for the parents.
Children Communication Tips
1. Keep Talking
Very few people can claim to be able to read a person’s thoughts and only to a degree. If this is really possible, then it is still up for argument.
Since your parents don’t know what is going on in your mind or what you are going through. However, it is important you talk to them about it.
This might be challenging, especially when you have something to discuss with your parents and they don’t seem to be listening.
Don’t stop talking. It will be best if you look for a more convenient time or place to speak to them.
For example, if your parents always seem distracted at home, why not try talking to them when walking, driving, or shopping together.
Another challenge might be when your parents want to talk to you about a particular problem. Let’s say they want to speak with you about school. Meanwhile, you don’t feel like talking about school at that time.
What do you do in this regard? KEEP TALKING. Since you don’t feel like talking about school at the moment, try to talk about something else with your parents.
Then when you are more inclined, you can talk to them about school. The key tip here is to KEEP TALKING.
2. Writing a Letter
Writing a letter is another tip that helps improve parents’ and children’s communication. Sometimes many parents lead a hectic life and have little time to spend with their families.
How then can you communicate your thoughts and your problems with them? Especially when they have a hectic schedule. Why not write them a letter.
Just the thought of receiving a letter can draw their attention to you, and they’ll realize they’re missing out on something important in your life.
Furthermore, writing helps you arrange your emotions and construct exactly what you have to say. This will help your parents have a clear picture of your problem or thoughts.
Parents are qualified counselors
Acknowledging an authority in any field helps to accept instructions, advice, and ideas from that authority. Children need to accept their parents as qualified counselors.
This helps improve communication knowing your parents have a better understanding of a problem or a situation you might be facing.
Besides, when a person is sick, he goes to see his doctor because he believes the doctor is capable of helping them to get better from the sickness.
Your parents can be that doctor who can guide you in troubled times and can provide comfort and strength as the situation warrants.
This is a good reason why you, as a kid, need to put effort into communicating with your parents.
Let’s now discuss important tips parents can utilize to improve their parents – children communication.
Parents Communication Tips
Showing and expressing love
This tip is as important as you can imagine. Everyone tends to be more open with those they feel are sympathetic to their plight.
I don’t think there is anyone who cares more for children than their parents. So show them that you care for them. Express your affections and let them feel it.
For younger kids, cuddling, hugging, reading bedtime stories, and kissing them good night are excellent ways to show them that you love and care for them.
For teenagers, expressing love might be slightly different as their needs are different from toddlers and younger kids.
While hugging and kissing on the cheek might still apply to grown kids, you can show that you care for them through some physical ways such as:
- Assisting in schoolwork when applicable,
- Playing games
- Doing some sports activities together
- Paying attention to their needs
- Remembering and celebrating important moments in their lives.
This tip makes parents much approachable and children more receptive to communication.
Keep the communication line open
Without honest and open communication, parents and children will become like strangers.
Providing for the family takes up a large amount of effort and time. Most parents are stressed and tired by the time they get home, and likely, they would like to rest.
Just as it is important to provide for the family’s physical needs, the same way it is for providing for the family’s emotional needs.
Parents need to reassure their kids that they will be available when the time to talk arrives.
As a parent, when you are not in a good mood or indisposed to talk, and your child approaches you to talk, don’t just dismiss them.
Try explaining to them how you feel at the moment, then fix a time for you to discuss with them. Ensure that you keep to it.
It is vital to keep an appointment to discuss with your child, or they might feel you don’t take their concerns seriously.
Be a good role model in communicating
It is well known that children, in general, learn a lot from their parents by watching what their parents do and how they handle situations.
As parents, do your children see you communicate well with your partner? If you tend to overreact to situations, do you think your child will be comfortable talking to you when they make mistakes?
Parents must show their kids how to communicate and its importance by example. Remember, they watch and learn.
Being able to read your child’s mood through observing their facial expression or body language and understanding your child’s method of communicating is essential.
Furthermore, parents must avoid blaming and criticism. Instead, they should implore correction and appropriate discipline.
The mentioned tips for improving communication between parents and their children should be applied with the aim of being better communicators.
Both parents and children should avoid sending mixed messages and avoid distractions when discussing.
Good communication does not need to be boring. Parents can include telling stories that will serve positive goals.
Most importantly, all this should be done with love and respect.
