Wellbeing

3 Top Tips to Get Kids Talking

1. Leave interrogations to detectives. “How was school? Who did you sit with at lunch? How was your test?” “How much homework do you have?”

It’s instinctual: You want to know what’s going on in your kids’ lives. But do you really have to barrage them with questions the minute they walk in the door?

Putting your child in the hot seat can cause them to clam up. Avoid the instinct to interrogate and simply say… "It is SO great to see you. I’m really happy you’re home!”

2. Spend quality one-on-one time with your child each day. Kids are more likely to open up and share their feelings when they feel emotionally connected to us.

Spending just 10 minutes, one or two times a day – when you are 100% present – and doing something your child likes to do will increase your emotional connection and keeps the lines of communication open.

3. Model the communication you’d like to see. If your child seems reluctant to open up – then YOU do the sharing.

Even if you don’t think they will be interested, talk about what you did at work, about something that is concerning to you – whatever is on your mind.

Then, say… "Thanks for listening. I feel better when I can talk about what’s on my mind.”

Not only does your child now know more about you, but you’ve also become a model for how they can communicate their own thoughts in the future.

With these 3 simple tips, you’ll not only learn more about your children, but you will have begun sharing your life with them as well. And that’s something to talk about!