Communicating with kids can be tricky, whether they’re in preschool or high school. However, the task is not impossible, especially when you learn a few key communication strategies that encourage both listening and expressing needs and opinions. Below are a few tips to help you converse with your kids productively. 

How to Build Communication With Your Children

1. Talk With, Not At

Make sure the conversation is balanced and two-sided so that you and your child are actively listening when the other is talking. Even with children as young as preschool age, encourage a back and forth conversation that helps them understand the subject while improving their verbal skills. Not giving them a chance to talk makes them feel as if their words are not as important as yours.

2. Use Kindness

Avoid language meant to shame or ridicule your child. Even if your children are misbehaving, embarrassing them and calling them names will only negatively impact their confidence, which may stop them from being open to speaking up when they need to. Statements such as “You’re being a baby” or “You’re embarrassing me” should be removed from your dialogue with them.

3. Lead by Example

Children learn from watching you, and that includes how you communicate. They’ll notice how you talk to them as well as others. Ensure that you are engaging in thoughtful, open communication, and always opting for a positive discussion in all of your conversations.

4. Choose “Open Door” Phrases

Open door statements demonstrate that you are interested in hearing more from your child. Phrases such as “Really?” or “That’s so interesting” show that you are listening and care about what your child has to say, which will make them open to the idea of communicating with you often.

5. Try “I” Statements

Avoid “you” statements and switch it to “I” phrasing. This removes the negative connotation that they are the problem and emphasizes that it’s the action or behavior that is making an impact. It also turns something negative into a more factual, fixable situation that is less hurtful. For example, “You’re bothering me” becomes “I’m tired, can we do this later?”

At Imagination Childcare Academy Inc., children will have a warm, loving environment that encourages good communication and teaches them the skills they need for the future. Serving the counties of Rochester, Gates, and Monroe, NY, the child care center offers certified teachers and a flexible schedule for toddlers, preschool children, and more. For more on their curriculum, call (585) 413-3948. Visit their website for classroom information.