“Teaching Your Child to be a Good Listener”

Teaching Your Child to be a Good Listener

Teaching your child to be a good listener is a critical parenting skill that will benefit them now and well into adulthood. Helping your child learn to be a good listener is an essential part of raising a respectful, self-confident and well-adjusted adult.

Tips for Teaching Your Child to be a Good Listener

• Provide your full attention when your child is speaking to you. Make eye contact and put away any distractions like cellphones and television.
• Repeat what your child has said so they know that you have heard and understood them.
• Ask open-ended questions to prompt more dialogue.
• Listen to your child without expressing judgement.
• Ask your child for their opinion and provide encouragement when they share it.
• Help your child stay on topic and keep a healthy dialogue going.
• Let your child finish what they’re saying without interruption.
• Validate your child’s feelings without taking sides or providing solutions.

By following these tips, you can help your child learn how to be a good listener and understand how to take turns in a conversation. Practicing these habits can help your child develop interpersonal skills that will serve them well throughout their life.