How to Listen so Kids get Heard

Pay attention to feelings.

Make the time to listen Acknowledge and reflect

your child’s feelings

Accept your child’s thoughts

and feelings Give feelings a name

By identifying your child’s

Feelings you free your child

Listen to begin to work things out

Look at your child

Pay attention Remember not to:

Show that you are interested

Respond with a word, a sound or a nod Interrupt

Bombard your child with

questions. It can put any child

Get the facts on the defensive

Ask questions if there’s something you Make up your mind before

don’t understand your child finishes speaking

Repeat in your own words what your child

Says to be sure you really understand