Back to School: Staying Connected

Parenting can be hard work, especially as children grow older. Positive, two-way communication can help children feel safe, valued, and understood. 

Thanks to the Better Health Channel for tips and information on staying connected. 

Listening and talking with your child builds their self-esteem. When children feel heard and encouraged, they are more likely to feel confident, worthy, and loved. 

If you set up clear and open communication early on in their lives, it helps set up good practice for their future.  

Some tips for listening to you child can include.  

• Paying attention to what your child is saying whenever you can. 

• Allocating time every day to sit and listen, even if you have a busy schedule. 

• Encouraging your child’s ideas and opinions 

• Allowing important or difficult issues to be discussed without fear of over-reaction, criticism or blame. 

As children start moving through primary school, they can become more confident communicators.  They can share their ideas clearly and adjust how they speak depending on the situation, at school, at home, or with friends. 

You can always show that you are actively listening to your child in many ways, including: 

• Asking open ended questions e.g. “What was your favourite thing at school today? 

• Allow your child to have difference of opinion and respect their point of view.  

• Try not to interrupt, lecture or criticise  

For more information on communicating with your child at any age visit the better health channel.