Parents Want to Know 101: How to Talk to Your Child

Wednesday, February 20, 2019

How to Talk to Your Child

By Sharon Rose

It’s important to start early in your child’s life having age appropriate talks during a relaxed time to build trust and a bond. Don't wait until there is a problem to talk to your child. Start with positive language and listening. How your child 'feels' about daily experiences, traumatic events, his environment, including how you and others communicate with him, will be reflected in his behavior. Be prepared to talk to your child in a way to bring greater understanding to any situation and soothe fears away.

If your child questions your authority, has a temper tantrum, starts a fight with a sibling, or is whiny and fretful all day, don't react by yelling or becoming snappy and fussy. You will have missed a teaching moment. Remain calm and find those positive words that are needed. Avoid negative language like, “no,” and “don’t.” Use statements that express what you expect. For example: “Only walk inside.” Instead of, “Don’t walk inside.” Eliminate language that makes-fun-of or is name-calling. For example, eliminate phrases like, “You’re such a big baby;” or “You’re a bad child.” This will take practice and will lead to good communication with your child. Start talking to your child, today!