Importance of Communication
The quality of children’s lives can be made better by teaching and encouraging them to communicate and express themselves openly. The process of communication begins from the minute a person is born. It starts off without words with parents and as the vocabulary of a child
develops, it moves on to communication of words with parents, siblings, friends and teachers. Expressing emotions is also a big part of what communication is. Children learn how to communicate by watching and listening to people in their environment. Hence, it is important that parents and teachers nourish this skill in their children meticulously.
Key features of effective communication include:
- Listening carefully
- Seeing the effect of words and gestures
- Showcasing empathy
- Not being judgemental
- Avoiding stereotyping
- Being friendly where required
- Being professional where required
- Speaking in turn with others
Good communication skills are important as they are the keys to interact with the world. They help children understand others and develop empathy. Limited stimulation towards communication can hinder a child’s growth. Here’s what you as parents can do to help your children communicate better.
Talk more with your children
With COVID, social interactions have become difficult for children. It is important that you talk to them. You can start off by telling them about your day and asking them about theirs. Talk to them about the new recipes you would want to try and involve them in household activities. Try to add more details and gestures into your conversations so that they become comfortable doing the same thing. Encourage their questions and make sure to not get irritated by them even if they are being silly
Talk about body gestures
Body gestures are important in any form of communication. They convey what words cannot convey in a conversation but how will children know that? As parents, you must talk to them about body gestures, teach them about the correct and incorrect gestures. Use gestures while you are conversing with your kids so that they can learn by mimicking you. Activities like dance and drama can make learning gestures easier. If you are a theatrical family, use your talents to teach your kids!
Listen to what your child has to say
Many parents make the mistake of not listening to what their children have to say because sometimes they don’t make sense or come up with illogical demands. The trick here is to listen to them attentively and reason with them. This way, they can learn the art of reasoning from you without being too disappointed or feeling unheard.
Ask for your child’s opinion
Make your child a part of family decisions. Ask them about their opinions with reasons behind them. It always helps children to see clearly when they know why they are stating a certain thing. This could also help them in making rational decisions in life.
Encourage the habit of maintaining a journal
With journal writing, children who have a difficulty in communicating or expressing what they need, they can find ways to express. Their journals are insights into their lives. The more they write, the easier it will be for them to talk about the things they are comfortable writing. Practice journal writing with your kids so that it does not come across as a boring activity.
At Little Genius, we do multiple things that help children communicate better. During our English and Grammar classes, we make children read out loud in front of their peers. We make sure that they participate in class and participation is always appreciated whether or not, the child comes up with the correct answer. Shy kids are encouraged to speak out and teachers help them. Keen attention is paid to students who seem to have trouble asking questions. Remember, patience is a virtue with kids. You must listen, appreciate and reason.
