10 Interesting Tips on Talking To Young Children

One of the crucial factors to consider when talking to young children is the art of communication. Children have feelings that adults should not ignore as your behavior will play a major role in developing the character of the child. It is not difficult to teach them how to do things or explain why certain things have to be done in a particular fashion. We smile, laugh and hug our children when we talk to them and they understand the body language and tone from the time they are infants.

Here are some winning ways to talk to your children that will help them develop good skills in their growing years.

1. It is essential to accept your child as he or she is in order to help them grow normally. Accepting a child does not necessary mean that we approve of their behavior. We should be able to correct the child when she does something that is not acceptable. In order to get them to understand your point of view you should let them know that you are interested in them and encourage talking about their actions. They should be able to explain why they do things that they should not be doing and you should be able to let them know that it is not the done thing!
2. In order to understand your child fully, listen to them. You need to pay attention even if you are involved in other activities around the house. One of the worst things a parent can do is to pretend they are listening and pay a deaf ear. You may be involved in something that requires your prompt attention and all you have to do is tell your child that you want to hear them out when you are free. Try to give them time when they are waiting for your response.
3. Many of us have the habit of talking to children as if they had no mind of their own. Cut the baby talk and let them know that you are friends. They should be able to let you know how they feel about certain things and you should be able to tell them how to do it right. The chances are that they will go along with you when you stress on more do’s than don’ts.
4. A very good tip when talking to children is to send out messages that let them know how you feel about certain things that you do not approve. If you start off with “You should not have done that” you are simply putting them on their guard and this leads to hostility and anger as they try to explain the reasons for doing something wrong. On the other hand if you let them know that you were worried they would have hurt themselves when doing something wrong, they are more likely to react responsibly and try to change their behavior.
5. How do you grab your child’s attention? They generally get involved in something they are doing and may not respond immediately when you try to get their attention. Wait awhile and call out to them and wait for their reply. When you know that they are listening instruct them on the things you would like done.
6. Maintain eye contact when talking to little children. This may require you to sit down or stoop to their level when talking to them. It is necessary to ensure that they are listening to you.
7. Children may often run in and want you to hear their news. They may laugh, complain, get angry or tell you about the fun time they had when they visited the children next door. Listen raptly and avoid adding your “two bits” when they are speaking. Hear them out and then advise them. If your child has gone next door without your permission, do not interrupt them but wait for them to finish and then tell her that what she did was wrong. She should have asked you permission before going across to the neighbors as you were worried when you noticed her missing.
8. Never ridicule your child or make them feel ashamed for something that they did. Avoid calling them a “bad girl” or a “wicked boy” as this will discourage them from feeling good about them.
9. Always be kind and pick and choose your words with care when speaking to little children. They should be able to build up their self-confidence and work harder to try and achieve success in whatever they do. Do not chastise when they have inadvertently dropped something on the floor but ask them to pick up the mess and hand them a tissue or sponge. This will bring about better results when you do not use a harsh tone.
10. Compliment your child by praising them when they do something right. Let them know you love them by hugging them often and whispering endearments in their ears.