Life gets so busy, and many of us are guilty of not taking the time to stop and pause. Parents have to juggle responsibilities and master the art of multi-tasking. A primary responsibility is raising your children and doing your best. With technology comes distractions for both you and your kids. Both you and the child benefit when you make an effort to be attentive and engaging. Every chance you get, you want to maximize family time. Kids notice and feel your distance when you’re immersed with your phone. Making moments count is an easy task because all you have to do is listen. You don’t have to fix anything or offer judgment. You just give your children time, so they can express what’s on their minds.
Here are some reasons why you should listen to kids:
1: Building a Life-Long Connection
A healthy and strong parent/child bond builds trust and will last through adulthood. Your kids will know they can go to you when they need to talk to someone. Children might just want to chat about something random, and you should listen. Being there in any sense matters, and while it seems small, it makes a difference.
2. Communication Skills
Verbally communicating in person helps children develop language and social/emotional skills. Conversations help kids learn how to express themselves and make them feel comfortable. If your phone is taking away attention from your kids, make it a point to set it aside.
3. Kids Will Listen to You
When you talk to your child, you both gain mutual respect for one another. Kids will appreciate you, pay attention, and listen to what you have to say. In many ways, children and adults are the same. You can also engage in activities to improve skills with the guide, Listening is a Way of Loving.
4. Positive Self-Esteem
Paying attention to your kids goes a long way by building their self-confidence. Children often see you in the midst of balancing life and know your time is valuable. Schedule or seize every opportunity for one-on-one time with your kids.
5. Understanding
You truly get to know and understand your children when you listen to them. You don’t need to reply or work to fix things; just listen. Ask questions so your child knows you’re paying attention to what they’re saying. By wanting to know more, you’re encouraging your kids that their points are valid. Conversation starters and questions keep the discussion going.
6. Tuned Into Emotions
Regular discussions help parents gauge a child’s emotions and take action if needed. Kids who are closer to their families have lower rates of depression and anxiety. Taking time to engage honestly changes their lives for the better.
7. Kids Have Bright Ideas
Kids are imaginative and creative and often have great ideas. During chats, you learn things that your children are thinking. Plan out their ideas by working together and bringing them to life. You can establish a sense of teamwork and build kids more collaborative and creative.
Making the most out of the time you have with your kids also brings joy to everyone. You both get to have innocent, childlike fun. You can engage in activities you haven’t done in years and appreciate the simple things in life.