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November 2021
GETTING YOUR CHILD TO TALK AT ANY AGE
We've all been there. You ask "How was your day?" and the response is "good" or "all right" and the conversation stops. It can be hard to know what to say or do next.
At CFF, we know open, effective communication between caregivers and children is a proven method to building self-esteem, promoting responsibility, and strengthening relationships.
Here are five great strategies we recommend:
Ask open-ended questions that require details. Instead of "How was your day?" ask "What was the best thing about your day?", "Did anything funny happen today?", "Who is your favorite teacher this year?"
Avoid why questions. 'Why' tends to put anyone on guard. Changing from "Why did that happen?" to "How did that happen?" removes feelings of defense and creates opportunity for understanding and support.
Remove distractions. It's hard with busy schedules, but giving children full eye contact, turning off televisions, phones, tablets, etc. engages them and lets them know what they have to say is important to you.
Lead by example. Share something about your day. The more you model the kinds of conversations you are open to having with them, the more comfortable they will feel opening up to you.
Make time for one-on-one. That doesn't mean a set schedule, real life doesn't work that way. It means making an effort to be available when they are - after school? bedtime? late at night? Look for patterns to determine when they are most open.
COMING NEXT MONTH! How to handle awkward holiday conversations
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