Parenting

Teach Your Children How To Communicate

“But, Mom, I don’t know what to say!”

If only I had a dollar for every time my kids said those words. It seems that most kids don’t like to ask questions, give tough answers, or explain struggles. Actually, most adults don’t like to either! But the child that learns how to communicate with teachers, coaches, and other kids will be miles ahead.

Communication is a skill for life-long success. It is not always easy, especially for child. There are many reasons children struggle to communicate. You can help your child overcome and master communication by recognizing communication struggles and coaching your child through them. Check out these 5 Ways to Help Your Child Communicate from Lesson 5 in Every School Year Counts, 6 Ways A Mom Can Make This Year Count. 

Common Communication Weaknesses in Children

  • Shyness
  • Speech delays
  • Fear
  • Confusion
  • Difficulty processing thoughts
  • Verbal impulsiveness
  • Discouragement

How to Help your Child Learn How to Communicate

1. Practice

Once you have identified your child’s communication weakness, practice with them to overcome it. {Tweet This} The best way to practice communication is to engage in conversation with your child often. Bedtime, carpool time, and mealtime are ideal for strategically proposing conversations. Use one of the free printable Talk Conversation Starters to get started.

2. Don’t Speak for Your Child

I have failed in this area more times than I can count. My child is asked a question and rather than let him struggle to find the words to answer, I jump in for him. Patiently wait or rephrase the question if it will help his understanding, but let him try to answer.

3. Encourage a Teacher-Student Relationship

Teach your child to do thoughtful things for his teacher. This will help your child feel comfortable approaching the teacher.

4. Encourage Your Child to Advocate for Himself.

When your child has a problem, teach him how to approach the problem by communicating with others whether it is with a teacher, a coach or other children. 

5. Be Perceptive.

Tune in to your child daily so that you might perceive and head off potential problems that simply need to be communicated and resolved with understanding.

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