How to help your child with their communication skills
Good communication is a skill that parents should help their children develop from a young age, so that they are able to form strong relationships with their family, peers, and teachers. As a parent, you probably know your child like the back of your hand and can easily interpret what it is they might need in any given situation. However, other people don’t have the same insight so your child will need to learn to articulate their thoughts and feelings. Read on for some tips from this independent school in the West Midlands.
1. Help your child understand their emotions
Good communication skills include the ability to express one’s emotions in a healthy way. Often, when children have temper tantrums or crying fits, it’s because they don’t yet possess the communication skills to express what it is that is making them feel that way.
So, talk to your child about different feelings. Say things like “I can see that you are getting frustrated with this board game” or “I am feeling a little upset because we haven’t been able to visit your grandma in a while”. You can even do this with people on the TV or in the books you read with your child. If they can start to understand what different emotions are, they will find it easier to talk about them rather than throwing a strop.
2. Encourage plenty of conversation… and listening
Some people are naturally quieter than others and conversation doesn’t always come naturally, but you should try and encourage conversation regularly because this will help your child with their communication skills. After all, practise makes perfect.
As well as talking, your child also needs to understand that listening is an important part of a conversation. Be a good role model and show your child that you are paying attention to the things they are saying. They will learn to do the same thing back.
3. Make ‘journaling’ a habit
If your child is an introvert, and conversation is difficult or uncomfortable for them, get them into the habit of journaling. Keeping a journal or diary helps children put their thoughts down on paper, allowing them to express themselves as well as self-reflect. It also helps improve their writing and communication skills.
If your child is comfortable with sharing their journal with a parent or trusted adult, it could be an easier way to start the communication process.
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