Communication Tips for Parents When the Kids are Not Getting the Message

When you tell your kids to do something or share your expectations, and they do not respond the way you expect, it’s easy to get annoyed or angry.

What if they simply misunderstood? What happens in the gap between your speaking and your child's hearing and reacting?

Here are a few things that could be happening…

What are some strategies to make the messages transfer clearly?

Make sure you make eye contact with your child to minimize distractions.
If you are unsure they heard you, ask your child to repeat what you said.
Listen to their questions or ask if they have questions.
Slow down your speech. Sometimes, when we are in a hurry or emotionally charged, we speak fast and can rattle off too much information for kids to take in.
Use fewer words, and give instructions in increments so kids can digest a process.
Show kids what you mean by doing a task as you talk and teach them. (Like teaching them to make a bed or set a table.)
Consider talking with kids as a parenting test of patience. Keeping a sense of humor can go a long way as kids try to learn about and understand the world around them.

We often assume we are effective communicators, especially in the comfort of our families and with our children.

Share this post with other parents and share your ideas below about how you keep the lines of communication clear in your family.

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