This month’s newsletter focuses on Communication.
Communication is how we share information and express ideas to others. It involves more than just understanding words. We need to be aware of the unwritten rules that go along with these interactions. The challenge is that these rules change depending on the social situation and to whom we are talking.
We can all think of examples of when the message we intended to send didn’t go the way we wanted it to. Being able to communicate well is an important skill we can help our children develop. Some children will find this skill more difficult than others. The following website gives a good summary of the different types of learning disorders and the issues these children face.
Here are some ways you can help improve your child’s communication skills at home:
Journaling
Some kids find it easier to talk with other people once they’ve had a chance to think their thoughts through. Writing and drawing in a diary or journal about day-to-day activities and feelings may help your child form thoughts to share with others.
Model Good Listening Skills
Encourage your child to politely ask questions when they haven’t quite heard or comprehended someone. And while your child is talking to you, try to give your full attention. Demonstrate what good listening looks like, in addition to how it sounds.
Body Language
Explain that communication happens in non-verbal ways too. Facial expressions, body movements and tone of voice all play a part in the message we send to others. Turn the volume down on the TV and see if you can guess how the people are feeling. Discuss the meaning behind such actions as ‘not looking someone in the eyes when they talk to you’ can send the message that you are not listening or ‘rolling your eyes’ may mean you don’t believe what someone is saying.
Talk Regularly with your child
Kids who have trouble communicating may be reluctant to talk at all. Encourage your child to initiate or engage in conversation as much as possible so they begin to feel more comfortable sharing their thoughts in a supportive environment. Choose a time that regularly works for the two of you: Schedule weekly walk-and-talks or family dinners (with no TV), for example. If you are stuck for conversation starters, this website offers some fun suggestions:
https://thefamilydinnerproject.org/conversation/conversation-starters/
