How to approach conversations with empathy and understanding 🤗
Establishing a connection with your teen is the basis for effectively supporting their mental well-being and social and emotional learning. When we love someone, we are interested in them and in their thoughts and feelings. As your child grows, communication is one way of showing your love and respect for your growing child.
1. Show an interest in what is important to your child to show you care.
2. Share things about yourself and find ways to make connections and identify shared interests.
3. Ask your child about their opinions, views and perspectives so that you can understand their feelings.
4. Build on the communication you had with your teen when they were younger – communication is important from babyhood to adulthood, and if you and your child communicated well, shared your feelings and thoughts, it is more likely that this will continue as they progress through adolescence.
5. Show attentive body language. Maintaining eye contact, giving affirming nods, a look of concern or encouraging smiles are all small gestures that let them know you are paying attention. Use natural body language and cues that make your child feel that you are present, interested and really care. Even without using words, you can communicate you are listening and that what your adolescent is saying is important to you.
Yours, Christian Mamadou