Why is Listening Important?

• Instills Confidence in Children:

  Children go through moments of happiness and frustration in their everyday life, especially when they are at the beginning of the learning curve. It is not necessary that you need to fix their “little” problems, but they are happy when they have someone to share their triumphs and falls. By listening, you make them feel that they are important to you and are worthy of your attention. This also means they feel confident and continue to communicate even when they are in their teens and are faced with bigger problems. Therefore, keep aside your gadgets and inculcate this habit in your children while you still have control over their lives.

• Children Feel Understood:

  When they share their disappointments, you make them feel that you understand and empathize with their view

• Improves Problem-Solving in Children:

  When you ask them about a possible solution, you are indirectly indicating that they can take decisions and you trust their problem-solving abilities

• Improves Bonding with Parents:

  Children bond well with parents when we listen to them. When we listen patiently and allow them to communicate at their own pace, we create a safe zone for them which are quite helpful later when they grow

• Children Do What They See:

  Children learn from parents. Only if we teach the importance of listening by practicing it will they follow it and give it back to us when they are older

• Builds Self- Esteem:

  It’s a good idea to set aside some time in the day when you give undivided attention to your children. This helps build their self-esteem. Ask questions and keep the conversation rolling

• Helps Emotional Bonding:

  Only if you actively listen can you clearly understand what is going on in your child’s life. Are they happy? Is something bothering them? Do they need help?

• Children Learn the Meaning of Communication:

  When you actively listen your child understands that communication doesn’t mean only speaking but hearing out to others as well. This is the first lesson in social skills that you can teach your child at home

• Helps Promote Exchange of Ideas:

  While actively listening, don’t dismiss the ideas that children bring to the table. Children have a unique understanding to situation as they view everything with fresh eyes. Don’t try to be a problem solver. Let them give suggestions too. That way you help promote exchange of ideas

How Can Parents Be Better Listeners?

1. When your child comes to you to say something, listen fully without interrupting and being judgmental
2. Try to put yourself in your child’s shoes and empathize with his/her situation
3. Be Receptive; don’t be impatient. Don’t get angry when your child says something you don’t like. Listen first and them work together towards a solution
4. Try not to lecture; it doesn’t help much but puts your child off
5. When you’re talking to your child, don’t just be physically present; give all your attention
6. Speak to them in a way they’ll understand. Refrain from using slangs
7. Notice your child’s body language as they speak. Try to understand if they need any help beyond what they are able to express
8. Make eye contact, be curious, ask questions, don’t jump to conclusions and put words in their mouth. Repeat after him/her. Let them know you’re all ears

Negative Effects of Not Listening:

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