communicating with your child
- Uphold eye contact
- Eliminate distractions
- Work through one problem at a time
- Be understanding, not judgmental
- Refrain from lecturing
- Avoid making interruptions
- Make suggestions, but do not necessarily tell your child what to do
- Use "I" statements
- Communicate with creative expression
- Refrain from correcting grammar during conversation
- Communicate the positive
- Recognize and accept your child's emotions
- Pay attention to your child's body language and tone of voice
- Let your child know you are there for him/her
- Try to plan talking to your children early in the evening so you are not tired
- Do not ask why, ask what
- Help your child come to his/her own realization of his/her problem
- Do not use put downs