To establish a good communication with your child, certain elements are essential.
- Prioritize a calm and distraction-free environment. Communicating with your child will be easier if he senses that you are paying attention. Also limit double-tasking, such as looking at your phone while your child talks to you. He must feel that he has your full attention
- Choose a time when your child is available. Your child may not want to talk if he's engrossed in a TV show or game, so it's best to wait until another time to talk with him. Mealtimes and bedtime routines can be good times for discussion, provided topics that may upset the child are avoided.
- Be brief and clear. Your child will understand the message better if you use a developmentally appropriate level of language. Use simple words and short sentences. Also avoid long monologues. The goal is to have positive discussions
- Pay attention to the non-verbal. Through his attitude and his gestures, your child sends you messages that can help you better relate to him. Thus, averted gazes and a closed position, such as turning the back or lowering the head, can testify to discomfort in your child.
- Use "I" rather than "you". This will prevent your child from feeling criticized. In addition, you will provide him with a good model of communication that he can reproduce with other children.
- Have a respectful attitude. Avoid blaming or generalizing using words like “always” or “never”. For example, phrases like "You always forget your book at school" or "You're never happy with dinner" can cause a child to become withdrawn and hide information from you.
- Be open. If you disagree with your child, let him know that it's okay to disagree on everything and try to see things from his perspective. Don't be judgmental. However, explain to him the values that are important in your family and that he must respect. It's important to be open to what your child has to say. This will give him a safe space to learn to talk about his ideas.
