Strengthening Communication Skills
Building Communication Skills With Your Child
FIVE WAYS TO ENHANCE A CHILD'S SELF ESTEEM
- Build on your child's strength.
- Express appreciation when your child is helpful and cooperative.
- Give positive support for each step in the learning process.
- Show confidence in your child's learning.
- Nurture all successes.
NEGATIVE COMMUNICATION WITH YOUR CHILD | POSITIVE COMMUNICATION WITH YOUR CHILD |
|---|---|
| Calling each other names | Express anger without hurt |
| Put each other down | I am angry that you did _______? |
| Interrupt each other | Take turns; keep it short |
| Criticize too much | Point out the positive and negative |
| Get defensive | Listen; calmly disagree |
| Lecture | Tell it short and straight |
| Look away from the speaker | Make eye contact |
| Slouch | Sit up, look interested |
| Talk in a sarcastic tone | Talk in a normal tone |
| Get off the topic | Finish one topic, go on |
| Think the worst | Do not jump to conclusions |
| Dredge up the past | Stick to the present |
| Read others' mind | Ask others' opinions |
| Command, order | Request nicely |
| Give the silent treatment | Say what's bothering you |
| Make light of something | Take it seriously |
| Deny you did it | Admit you did it, or nicely explain that you didn't |
| Nag about small mistakes | Admit no one is perfect; overlook small things. |