Key Highlights
- It is important to be patient when talking to children.
- Talk in a slow and clear voice, using simple words.
- Try to make eye contact with the child while you are talking.
- Be interested in what the child has to say and ask questions about it.
- Encourage the child to express his or her feelings.
How to talk to children?
It is no secret that adults sometimes have a difficult time understanding children, let alone communicating with them. This can be especially true when adults are nervous or under stress. When trying to communicate with children, the best thing an adult can do is relax, take a deep breath, and remember that children are people too. Here are some tips on how to better communicate with children.
Be patient when talking to children
When having a conversation with children, it is vital to remember to remain patient. As adults, we have knowledge and experiences that they do not fully comprehend yet, so they need extra time to truly understand what we are saying. Taking the time to calmly explain things to them will allow children to feel secure and reassured in their understanding.
Additionally, speaking in a slow and polite manner can help introduce or reinforce good habits of proper communication. Patience during conversations with children creates an environment where ideas can be exchanged openly and effectively.
Talk in a slow and clear voice, using simple words
Talking in a slow and clear voice, with simple words, can make all the difference when providing instructions or helpful advice. This kind of verbal communication ensures that what is being said is understood by the listener and reduces confusion.
Having pauses every once in a while to allow for processing time helps ensure that the message is heard as intended. It eliminates unnecessary misunderstandings and enables better comprehension. Although this may take more than speaking quickly, it is worthwhile for making sure the conversation yields actionable results.
Try to make eye contact with the child while you are talking
The importance of eye contact with the child during conversation should not be overlooked. It demonstrates that you are engaged in what is being said and shows active listening, traits that will be beneficial for them to pick up in order to foster meaningful conversations with others.
Making eye contact also allows parents or caregivers to gauge their understanding of the subject more accurately: when a child is unclear about something, it’s likely that they won’t look into your eyes when responding. Not only does it cultivate respect between adults and children but building this connection through eye contact also strengthens that bond so essential for healthy interpersonal relationships.
Be interested in what the child has to say and ask questions about it
As a parent, having an active interest in what your child has to say is essential to their development. Not only does it provide the opportunity for growth and communication, but it also reinforces a sense of trust and loyalty between child and parent.
Whenever you find your child talking about something they are passionate about or have experienced during the day, take the time to listen intently and ask thoughtful questions to further the conversation. Doing so will create a safe environment for the child to express themselves freely, increasing knowledge not just for them, but for you as well.
Encourage the child to express his or her feelings
As parents, it is so important to encourage a child to express their feelings in a healthy manner. Instilling a sense of safety and trust when expressing one’s emotions is essential to the development of emotional intelligence. By making sure they know they are heard and respected while having open conversations with them at every age, their capacity for self-reflection will grow drastically.
Having an understanding of what type of communication works best for your child and understanding how their feelings should come into play in certain situations is imperative. As the parent, it’s our job to help guide the child in developing healthy and productive ways of expressing themselves safely.
If you follow these simple tips, you will be able to effectively communicate with children. By being patient, talking in a slow and clear voice, using simple words, making eye contact, and being interested in what the child has to say, you will encourage the child to express his or her feelings. Thanking the child for talking to you is also important.