Montessori Radmoor

Conversation is becoming more challenging while our family members, friends and co-workers are plugged in to technology more and more.  How does this impact our skills of communication with our children?  We have to continue to be role models for our children and engage them in good conversations, especially as they are developing their moral and value systems.  These conversations will lead to more fulfilling relationships.

The elements of a good conversation, according to Celeste Headlee, can be broken down into 10 points.

Be fully present in a conversation, not half in and half out and go with the flow of the conversation.  If a point pops into your mind, let it go if the conversation is shifting and practice active listening.  It is important to try to understand what the person is saying not crafting a reply.

Be careful not to dominate the conversation and ask open ended questions, such as, “what was it like” or “how did it make you feel?”  These types of questions will provoke more insight and allow the person to reflect upon the situation.  Do your best not to repeat yourself or rephrase what we are saying over and over.  Be careful not to get too caught up in the details as it can bring the conversation to a stand still very quickly.  “People don’t care. What they care about is you,” says Celeste, so focus on showing “what you’re like, what you have in common.”

The last three points to remember are to be up front if there is something you do not know and when someone is sharing an experience focus on their experience not sharing your story that may be similar.  The two are never the same.  Finally, be brief and effective.  Your conversation will be more interesting and have some depth.

If you begin having these conversations now, they will continue through the ups and downs of your child’s stages of development.

Sincerely,

Susie

Image Credit: Speakout Inc.

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