Our kids are constantly talking to us all day, every day, but are we taking the time to really listen to them? As a single parent there are a million things to do when you get home from work every day. You still need to cook dinner, do the laundry, sweep and mop the floor, pick up the house, get the kids ready for bed, and so much more. You don’t have much, if any time to yourself, so when your five year old comes running in to tell you every detail about what they did at school that day, it may be easy for your mind to wander to all the other things you still need to get done before the night is over. Without realizing it, you’ve sent your child the message that what they are saying in unimportant. Instead, set aside a few minutes each day to show your child how much they mean to you. Turn off the computer, turn off the cell phone, and simply let them tell you about their day, without any interruptions. Here are some more tips to help you on your path to becoming a better listener.
Ask your child meaningful questions. This helps show them that you are interested in what they are saying and want to know more. Encourage them to talk about their thoughts and feelings with you. If you give them a safe place to talk now, they are more likely to feel safe talking to you as they get older and the issues get bigger.
Repeat what they are saying back to them. This leaves less room for misunderstandings and shows them that you really are listening to what they are saying. Then when you aren’t understanding they can help clarify more easily.
Validate their feelings. Don’t just agree or disagree. Show them that you understand what they are feeling and help them try to work through their emotions as best you can. Try to put yourself in their shoes and imagine how you would feel if you were in their situation.
As busy as you are, there is nothing more important than making time to show your little one that you care. Taking just those few minutes a day to listen to them can make all the difference in the world. Show them how important they are to you, they are only little for a short while, before you know it, they will be all grown up and gone, and you’ll find yourself missing those never ending kindergarten stories you thought you didn’t have time for.