| |
Breaking Down The Communication Barriers With Your Kids
By Anne Wolski
Copyright 2005 Anne Wolski
Being a parent isn't easy. Some days just getting everyone in your family all together at the same time for dinner can seem like the "impossible dream". Between after school sports and clubs and working and errands and carpools, it's not surprising that almost half of the parents in a recent survey said they feel a growing distance between themselves and their children.
Today's children have more things to deal with than kids did even twenty years ago. Drugs, violence, mixed messages in advertising, peer pressure, packed schedules and outside activities all add to the pressure they face. On top of that, we are living in a world of growing unemployment, leaving some children wondering where their future lies.
Growing up is a continual process filled with regular highs and lows. As a parent, it's expected. But what can you do to help through the tough times they might face down the road of life? Here are some quick tips for those parents that are struggling to understand their changes, both physical and emotional as they grow to young adulthood.
Communicate...communicate...communicate. By this I mean proper communication i.e. the exchange of information which involves LISTENING as well as speaking. No matter how compelled you might be, DON'T INTERRUPT THEM! Let them get the weight of their concerns or problems off their chest without "butting in" irregardless of how upset you might be at what they are revealing to you. Yes, they are letting you inside their small, strange world, so be grateful. It will help to strengthen their trust in you not to EXPLODE on them and further open the line of communication between you both.
Show understanding and compassion...remember, you were a child struggling through the maze of becoming an adult once yourself. Everything is a drama and their perceived world will crumble quickly if you trivialize their problem.
Remember that your children are individuals. They each have their own unique personality traits so don't compare them...celebrate their uniqueness. To do otherwise is to belittle their importance.
Above all, LOVE them. Everyone makes mistakes, some more serious than others but they need to know your love is unconditional.
About the Author
Anne Wolski has worked within the health and welfare industry for more than 30 years. To see many great health-related resources, go to
http://www.magnetic-health-online.com
Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/16101.html
| If you wish to add the above article to your website or newsletters then please include the "Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/16101.html" as shown above and make it hyperlinked. |
| Some other articles by Anne Wolski | Multiple Sclerosis - What are the Effects
What is multiple sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis is a central nervous system disorder characterized by damage to the messages transmitted to and from the brain. These messages generally control the way ...
Slimming- Exploring the options
Why do people want to lose weight? The answer to this is complex and can involve a wide variety of factors. While some people recognize the damage they are doing ...
Aging – Understanding the Process
Less than one hundred years ago, the life expectancy of a male was only 48 years and a female was ...
Sexually transmitted diseases – The Price of Sexual Freedom
In this modern era, sexual freedom is taken for granted and little is thought of promiscuity as it was in past generations. However, the reality is that this sexual freedom also carries with it ...
Wellness – The Total Concept
Wellness is a term that is becoming very common in our modern era. But what exactly constitutes 'wellness'? Does wellness mean that ...
Vasectomy - Is it the Right Choice for You?
What do you do when you feel that your family is complete? This is a decision most couples eventually make. What steps should they take to avoid an unplanned pregnancy in ...
|
|
| |
|
|
|
