Having difficult conversations is an essential part of parenting that causes stress. It is important to be cautious when talking to our children about serious topics like friends, school issues, loss, or mental health issues. With the proper approach, you can have these difficult conversations with your child regardless of age. In this article, you will discover how to make them a little bit easier.
Create A Safe Space
Before having a difficult conversation with your child, it would be best to establish rapport first. Every child has to feel safe to open up. You can start by picking a time when both of you are relaxed and not rushed. For the younger children, this may be during playtime or while they are doing an activity they enjoy.
For older kids and teens, there is no need for elaborate celebrations; a car ride or a quiet evening at home is perfect. Assure them that they can share anything without any form of judgment. Use good body language and try to look straight into their eyes. Just remind them that it is okay to be open with you, but do not pressure them, and give them some time to open up.
Use Age-appropriate Language
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When speaking with children about things that might be challenging, you should ensure that you use safe words that are age-appropriate. For younger children, the language used should be more descriptive and general. Make references that they can comprehend and encourage them to ask questions.
When it comes to older children and teenagers, it is crucial to talk to them maturely. Let them share their opinions and emotions. Do not be condescending, and ensure the conversation is a two-way affair. It helps to reduce the feeling of being ignored or misunderstood during such difficult conversations.
Practice Active Listening
Active listening is crucial when having difficult conversations with your child. It is not just about hearing their words but understanding how they feel. Acknowledge them, ask questions, and rephrase what they say to demonstrate you are listening. It makes your child more inclined to talk because they will feel you listened.
Validate their feelings, even if you do not agree with them on those. Saying phrases such as \’I can understand how much this must be upsetting to you\’ will make them open up to you. Do not interrupt, and do not jump to conclusions too often. At times, it only requires you to let the child talk and air their frustrations for them to feel better.
Final Thoughts
Difficult conversations do not have to be overwhelming. It is possible to turn these tough conversations into simple ones by creating a safe space, using age-appropriate vocabulary, and applying active listening. It is normal to be a little nervous before talking to your child about challenging topics. However, these are the moments that, when worked through and discussed, could deepen the connection between you and your child and help the child develop better tools for managing their emotions. Create a foundation of open discussion with your child.
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