Talking About Communication Virtues With Children
Even though your little one miraculously learned to talk up a storm on her own, the virtues of communication are a learned set of skills. Keep in mind that no matter what you say, it won't fly unless you lead by example. Your kids are listening closely to every word you say -- even the four-letter ones you sometimes mutter under your breath.
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Identifying Emotions
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Before you can talk about the various virtues of communication with your children, you must first help them identify their own emotions, so they can clearly communicate how they̵7;re feeling, as well as recognize similar emotions in others. When you notice your child feeling a common emotion, such as happiness, sadness, frustration, fear or excitement, stop and help her pay attention to her feelings. Say, ̶0;How are you feeling right now?̶1; Use examples from real life, as well as books, television shows and movies to help your child develop empathy skills. Say, ̶0;Look at Hattie. How do you think she̵7;s feeling right now? Have you ever felt that way? When?̶1;
Give and Take
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The ability to have an equal conversation is an important communication virtue. Teach your child to listen as much as she speaks, so her conversations will be reciprocal. Make it a game in the beginning, so she gets the hang of it. Tell her, ̶0;Just like when you and Bobby want to play with the same toy, you have to take turns when you̵7;re talking. Let̵7;s practice. We̵7;re going to talk about our day, but we̵7;re going to take turns. First you̵7;ll go, and then I̵7;ll go. Ready?̶1; Also teach your child that saying ̶0;Excuse me̶1; before inserting herself into an ongoing conversation is an essential part of the give and take of communication.
Be Polite
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The golden rule -- treat others the way you̵7;d like to be treated -- is another virtue of communication. Explain to your child that even if she doesn̵7;t agree with someone, or if she feels angry or hurt, she still has to speak to others the way she would want to be spoken to. Teach her to identify and explain her feelings without being mean or placing blame. Instead of, ̶0;I hate you! You made me feel bad!̶1; Teach your child to express her own emotions first -- ̶0;I feel angry,̶1; for example -- without making it the other person̵7;s fault -- ̶0;You made me angry,̶1;-- and then address the cause -- ̶0;because you took my toy.̶1; Once your child expresses herself, teach her how to set new boundaries -- ̶0;Please don̵7;t do that again. If you do, I̵7;m going to tell.̶1;
Non-Verbal Cues
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Teach your child that communication virtues don̵7;t only apply to the spoken word. Help her recognize the nuances present in non-verbal communication -- in people̵7;s facial expressions, such as a furrowed or arched brows, for example, or certain posture positions, such as folded arms. Once again, practice by paying attention to other people. Observe others -- whether in picture books, movies, on television or in real life, and see if your child can figure out how they̵7;re feeling, even when they̵7;re silent.
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While you may not think twice about greeting friends and acquaintances with a friendly “hi” or “hello,” your child may not understand how or why to greet others. Provide your child with engaging and informative guidance to tea
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When you open your childs bedroom door and find him playing doctor -- naked -- with his friend, your first reaction is likely either anger, embarrassment or stunned silence. Children show an interest in their bodies at an early age, and playing docto
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Good interpersonal communication skills are essential for almost every aspect of life. Being able to effectively communicate with others helps people resolve problems, establishes trust, encourages understanding and compassion and helps build relatio
