Listen to Understand, Not to Control

Would you like to strengthen your connections with your children? It can begin with a simple yet powerful shift in mindset: Listening to understand, rather than to control.

When we communicate with children, it’s common to listen with the aim of responding or guiding them. But what if we focused instead on truly understanding their viewpoints?

Here are five proven ways to put this into practice:

1. Give full attention: Listen attentively without interruptions and maintain eye contact to show you’re engaged.
2. Ask open-ended questions: Encourage children to express their thoughts and feelings by asking questions that require more than a simple “yes” or “no.”
3. Practice active listening: Reflect on what you’ve heard by repeating back your understanding to ensure you’re on the same page.
4. Acknowledge emotions: Validate children’s feelings without rushing to fix or change them, creating a safe space for expression.
5. Resist the urge to provide immediate solutions: Allow children to explore their thoughts independently, which can help develop their problem-solving skills and confidence.

By adopting this approach, you can foster an environment where children feel heard, heard and understood. This, in turn, can lead to more open and honest communication, stronger relationships, and a more positive impact on their lives.

Give it a try – I’d love to hear the outcome.