Are You Listening?
Jan 07, 2019 
CHILDREN SHOULD BE SEEN AND NOT HEARD!
How many times did you hear that growing up?
When we silence our children, we are telling them their voice doesn't matter. We are setting them up with insecurities as they develop and grow. In our busy lives, it's easy to say "enough" when your child is telling a story, but we should understand they are connecting with you the best way they know how.
When we share conversations with our children, it shows we value them. Sharing is a way to connect with each other and understand your child's individual personality. Engaging in conversations with children when they are younger opens the lines of communication as they get older, and may need more guidance and support...another reason why listening to your children is so important.
Does this mean we have to listen to our children talk all day and night? No... The reality is, sometimes we really do have other things to do, or maybe your child is talking over other people. Redirecting our responses can both help our children understand that their voice does matter, and also teach them about appropriate conversations.
It's okay to feel overwhelmed with children's conversations. They are chatterboxes by nature! By re-framing our perspective into how our reactions will impact their future self-worth, we will respond accordingly.
When we encourage our children's conversations, or warmly redirect them, we are teaching them the art of communication.
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