Sometimes kids can be the hardest people to communicate with because they hold a lot of their thoughts and feelings inside. As parents the worst thing you can do is allow them to become so distant that they don’t talk to you anymore. If this happens you might not even be aware of an issue or problem before it is too late. Here are a few tips that will help improve the communication between you and your children.

Be a Good Listener

No one wants to talk to someone who isn’t really listening. If you child comes to speak to you give them your total attention by looking at them, nodding in response and being attentive. They need to know that you are really hearing them. Don’t cut them off in mid-sentence, it is rude when they do it to you and the same goes when you do it to them.

Be Understanding

Just because you don’t understand how a small comment from another child can affect your child in a negative way or why your child is sad that John Doe doesn’t like her it doesn’t mean the problem is any less important to your child. Their problems no matter how trivial they may seem to you are important to them. By listening and offering advice if you can you are showing them that you really do care.

Talk Calmly

If your children know that you are going to lose your head when they tell you something you will find that they stop telling you anything. Learn to control your temper. Once a person or child is yelled at so much they just stop listening and nothing gets solved. By learning to express yourself in a calm manner no matter how upset or disappointed you are you will see that it will bring you better results. No only will your children value your opinion more but they will be more willing to talk to you about any subject good or bad.

Change the Environment

For some people it is hard to have an important conversation face to face and children are no different. If there is a subject you want to approach but are having a hard time try bringing up the subject when you are driving. That way the child doesn’t feel as uncomfortable talking as they would if you were looking at them. Another great way to approach a touchy subject is to do so after a fun event such as take your child to the movies or an activity you can share and then over lunch or dinner when you are alone bring up the subject. This will set the stage for an easy conversation.

No matter what you do don’t cut off the line of communication with your children. Remember that they are people too and think before you speak. Speak to them in a way you want to be spoken too. Communication is the key to a healthy mother-child relationship.