Fri 11 May 2007
One can hear parents complaining about their children not listening to them. It is a mutual complain amongst parents and kids alike. Kids feel that their parents do not listen to them and vice versa. Parents have a big question in their mind to find out that how their children will listen to them?
Sometimes talking to our kids is very tough, but if we have determination and knack of doing this then it is a smooth sailing. For having harmony in the family, there should be good verbal interactions between parents and kids. Good parents are the ones who respect their children’s views and opinions, have a talk with them, listen to them and even exchange their own views with them. Being a parent it is not easy to admit that one is wrong, but we should keep our minds open as sometimes the way we see things are indeed wrong.
Parents generally overreact. We start evaluating our kids on the basis of our past experiences. This hinders our kids in opening up in front of parents. If we stop reacting and start responding then kids get the encouragement to be honest with their thoughts and views and will not fear of expressing them. This opens up the line for discussions and thus parent-kid can then come up with the answer to any problem that they may be facing at the time. This brings them closer to each other.
It is always advisable to stop doing whatever you are doing at the time when your kid comes to you with the problem. Consider their problem very seriously, even if it is a minor one. Maintain eye contact, be composed, ask questions and give answers only if they ask for. The kid will appreciate you for this.
Analyze their feelings; try to be in their shoes before passing out any judgment. As a parent, we have an impulse to be protective towards our child, do not do this. Listen to your kid and encourage him to find the solution and fight it out and not use the evasive methods.
You being there for your kids when they need you are the biggest gift that you can give to them. Even if you are not available physically but if your presence is felt in your kids time of their needs is enough. This is the ultimate gift to show them that YOU CARE.