Children and Communication, The Importance of Healthy Family Communication

In this article, Expert Developmental Psychologists shares how to establish healthy and effective communication within the family and why it is so important: 'Improving and strengthening family communication skills means raising children who possess strong communication skills of their own.' Happy reading! Family communication is the process through which parents and children exchange their conscious or unconscious emotions, thoughts, and information.

What Kind of Parent Are You in Your Communication with Your Child?

Supportive Approach - 1. The Positive Parent: Shows close interest in the child. Expresses expectations clearly and directly. Sets rules and follows through with the consequences. Does not shy away from conflict. Consistent and determined.

Passive Approach - 2. The Passive Parent: Indifferent and uninterested in the child's activities. Ignores the child's undesirable behaviors. All of the child's wishes are fulfilled, granting them unlimited rights.

Controlling Approach - 3. The Directing Parent: Compares the child with others and uses excuses to alter the child's current behaviors.

The Aggressive Parent - 4: Constantly yells at the child. Threatens them, withholds love, and may even show physical violence. Silences and humiliates the child during undesirable behaviors.

“I appreciate how you feed your fish and take care of them.”

“It is so much fun playing games with you.”

“Thank you for sharing.”

“What do you think about this?”

“You are playing so beautifully with your sibling.”

“I'm so glad you finished all the food on your plate.”

Making Time and Making Them Feel Important

When your child wants to tell you something, you should make an effort to put aside whatever you are doing and truly listen. Focus your attention on what they are saying so that they feel their thoughts are important to you, and consequently, that they themselves are important. If you genuinely do not have enough time to listen at that moment, do not neglect to mention that you cannot listen right now due to your work, but that you absolutely want to hear it later and are curious about what they have to say—and then make sure to set a time to talk as soon as possible.