Tips For Having An Effective Heart-To-Heart Talk

Open communication is essential because it allows parents and children to connect on a more intimate level. Trust, self-esteem and motivation can be fostered better. Though communication styles vary from one person to another, there are 3 powerful tips that can help you have effective and open communication with your child.

1. Be encouraging.

We often find ourselves taking control of conversations and giving narrow-minded personal opinions. This only leads to our children feeling uptight and unable to express themselves fully. As parents, we may find that it is easier to give them orders on how to behave so it would be easier for them to obey. However, this is highly unlikely. Instead, give them the mic and let them express themselves. Try and rationalize why they did what they did and come to agreement. Then, work from there to achieve better results.

2. Actively listen with an open mind and heart.

Being an active listener means being empathetic. It means listening to every nitty-bitty detail when your child is expressing themselves. Insecurity and lack of confidence may also get in the way at times, so it’s important to break down the walls that are holding our children back. Be present and try putting yourself in their shoes to see what they’re experiencing. Most importantly, do not use anything that your children have told you in confidence against them. No matter how angry you may both get with each other, you do not want to break the trust they have towards you. Acknowledge their feelings and let them know that you will still be there for them.

3. Give advice.

Sometimes, all our children need is a shoulder to cry on or a hand to hold. After all, parents and children do share an unbreakable bond. Guide them and give them a direction to follow, but it’s also important to not sound dictative. Give them space to understand where you’re coming from and slowly but surely, they will know where you stand and will be more willing to open up. When giving advice, keep it nice and short because let’s face it, nobody likes long lectures. Try not to relate every story they tell to your own and let there be a barrier to recognize the generational gap. It’s also important to talk to them with a firm yet gentle tone, to let them know you will always be there for them.