WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO LISTEN TO YOUR CHILD

It can be tempting to brush off our children’s problems, especially if we have had a bad day or if we are busy. But our children need to know that we are going to listen to them. This will make it more likely our children will talk with us about their hopes and problems when they are older.

Active listening is a good way to improve your communication with your child, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the US. It lets your child know you are interested in what she has to say.

To practise active listening:

> give your full attention to your child

> make eye contact and stop other things you are doing

> get down on your child’s level

> reflect or repeat back what she is saying and what she may be feeling to make sure you understand