The best time to teach respect, responsibility and resiliency in when children are small. If you have out of control teens, it is not too late to set up boundaries of behavior. Fair, kind and consistent discipline is the best way to work with teens and pre-teens. You will want to read more at http://www.amzn.to/kindlebyjudy
Tag Archives: child behavior
5 More Tips For Communicating and Connecting With Your Kids (EXPERT)
Are you having problems connecting and communicating with your kids? Then try these simple tips and ideas for building confident kids. You will be glad you did.
Touchpoints – Connect With Your Teens
Hello from beautiful Montana:
Today I twittered on the social networks about how important it is to connect with your teen. I advised parents and grandparents to connect at least 5 times a day. Touchpoints are not necessarily actually touching but more of making a point of acknowledging the existence of the other person.
After I had pushed the send button, I remembered how much teens dislike being in the same room as parents. They especially dislike the long eyeball to eyeball conversations that we adults treasure so much.
Touchpoints of Love
Our children need to hear our words. They need the guidance on life lessons we can teach. They need to hear the delight in our voice when we communicate lovingly. They need to hear the pride and admiration we shower on them when they have overcome an adversity or tackled a hard task.
Yes, they do need to hear the love, tenderness and affection in our voice when we are expressing our joy in their being. But sometimes, the best expressions of love and acceptance are non verbal.
Body Language is Communication of Relationships
Teens especially, respond better to non verbal communication or body language. Rather than a long lecture on being a good sport when your team lost, a simple pat on the back is sufficient. A wink, a smile, a back rub, thumbs up, a grin or a clap of applause all signal that we are aware of them and their efforts.
Watch your facial expressions and tone of voice, because saying “I Love You” with a distracted look, gives a much different message.
The opposite of love is not hate, but being ignored. We want to connect with teens to let them know we are aware of their struggles and are on their side. The most powerful message in the world is that you are valued and appreciated.
Look for ways to connect with your teen. It may be the most important work in your life and theirs.
If your teen is having behavior problems, please go to http://www.disciplineyespunishno.com
You will be glad you did.
In support,
Judy Helm Wright aka Auntie Artichoke, family relationship author and keynote speaker
Word Power – Encourage Communication With Family
Words have power. Power to hurt. Power to heal. And especially the power to build relationships with family members. If you want to encourage communication with the family be careful of the word power you have.
Communication is More Than Just Speaking
Parents and teachers who hope to communicate successfully with children and adolescents need to have a clear understanding that talking is more than just giving orders or criticizing.
True communication is exchanging of thoughts, messages, wishes and ideas. It is based on mutual respect and listening skills. When we pay attention to the verbal words as well as the non verbal body language, the chances are much greater that will have a dialog rather than an argument.
Body Language is Communication of Relationships
A verbal exchange of words is the basis for sharing information. However, it is the body signals, facial expression and tone of voice that will encourage communication with family.
The child or teenager may give you non verbal clues when they are upset or need your full attention. Watch for the word power as well as the body language to understand the needs of your family.
Listening To Words or Hearing Words
There is a big difference between listening and actually hearing what is being said and understood. Many family members listen to one another but don’t really listen to the unsaid message.
Successful communication involves the senses, faculties and attention of both parties. If you think your child is not hearing you, you may want to double check without criticizing. Perhaps you can ask the child what he understood you to say.
When using word power make sure you are saying things clearly, directly and firmly so there will be mistakes in what was said and what was heard. To encourage communication with your family, be sure to listen as much or more than you speak. Watch for subtle clues about what else they want to share.
You can do it. I have confidence in you. I also invite you to go to http://www.encourageselfconfidence.com to claim your free eBook on Self Confidence.
Fondly,
Judy H. Wright aka Auntie Artichoke, family relationship author and keynote speaker