Most people are ordinary listeners, meaning they listen to give a response or keep the conversation going. Even though this is true in other cases, learning to listen to your children is very important. This can be very challenging, especially with daily stressors and technology demanding your attention. Learning to do so, however, can yield amazing results. Here are some reasons you should start really listening to your children if you are not already doing it.
It Strengthens Parent-child Bonds
Children want to be heard and understand that you are hearing and understanding them. Passive listening does not work when talking to kids because they know when you are not fully present. This makes it much harder to form important parent-child bonds that can be incredibly beneficial for both of you as they grow up.
If you want your kids to come to you, feel like they can talk to you about anything, and know you will be there for them, you need to learn how to really listen to them.
It Helps Them Develop Communication Skills
Communication skills are crucial in all parts of our lives. Listening is a critical part of communicating, and the sooner your children learn how to do this, the better they will be for it. When children feel like their feelings, opinions and thoughts are being taken seriously, they are more likely to be open to sharing them as they grow up.
Also, remember kids learn from us, and this includes how to communicate. If children grow up knowing listening is a crucial communication skill, they will carry that with them and be great communicators and listeners themselves.
Doing So Helps Them Develop Social Skills
Paying attention to your kids helps them develop positive social skills and relationships. Talking and listening to them serves as practice for them and helps them deal with the outside world because they know how to carry a conversation.
Listening to help kids develop their social skills and relationships is especially important for foster kids who might not have had anyone listening to them. Listening is a crucial skill for all parents considering fostering a child as it can make a huge difference in their lives and futures.
It Helps with Self-esteem and Self-confidence Development
Self-esteem and self-confidence are strongly anchored in how valued and valuable someone feels. Children know that time and attention are valuable and so giving them your undivided attention makes them feel valued.
Children who are not heard are the ones unlikely to listen. This is because they feel unworthy of your attention and time and that their emotions and thoughts are inconsequential. They also see no need to listen if they are not being listened to. Both of these make them lose self-esteem and confidence which is detrimental to their development.
It Helps Them Feel Free to Share Their Thoughts and Ideas
If you want your kids to feel open about sharing their thoughts and ideas, you need to listen to them. Knowing they are being heard makes them more likely to do so which provides opportunities for correction and learning.
Many parents overlook or do not see the need for listening to their children. However, not doing so can have serious consequences on their growth and development. New parents, including those fostering young kids, should learn how to listen to their kids for better outcomes.
Leave a Reply