Listen respectfully to your child’s ideas and feelings.

TIP OF THE WEEK- By Lillian Reekie
TIP 12-
Listen respectfully to your child’s ideas and feelings.
Your child, regardless of their age will have many worthwhile and valid ideas to contribute and they will also have feelings (that we may not always be in alignment with). It is important that we respect those ideas and feelings and allow them to feel comfortable expressing them. If we do not openly and respectfully listen to our children they will NOT want to share with us and will find others to express their feelings to.*


* If we deeply disagree with the ideas or feelings the child has we can let them know how we feel. We must still validate their ideas and feelings however and not make them feel like they are not worthy of their own thoughts. A discussion to express your ideas and feelings could be good as long as it is not used to say “It’s my way or the highway”. If expressed carefully the child may see it respectfully from your perspective as well. This encourages MUTUAL respect if you have differences.
Imagine if a good friend or colleague expressed an idea or feeling to you. Would you listen and respect their thoughts even if you didn’t agree and perhaps be diplomatic about expressing your thoughts if they were very different. Or would you not validate them, ignore them or tell them that’s wrong, no good or not viable.
The same respect should be given to your children 