Be A Good Listener

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How can I improve communication with my child?

Be A Good Listener

To learn how your child is really doing in school, and her true feelings, be sure to converse with your child and do not interrogate.

Instead of asking, "How was your day?", ask questions that require a detailed answer. Examples are "What was the best part of your day today?", "Tell me something new that you learned today." When the child begins to explain to you their day, ask questions as if you were hearing the (school) information for the very first time. This encourages the child to go through their minds and recall what they've learned. If they feel like they are teaching you, it gets them excited. Yes, parents most likely know who the first president of the United States was, but when the child is learning about George Washington and his role in the Revolutionary War, it's important not to give answers like "I knew that." Say "Wow, really?" or "That's cool that you learned that." It gives children that extra boost of confidence to know that not only did they remember what was taught, but their parent(s) thinks it's wonderful.

   

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