| Listening is a valuable skill. The latest studies reveal | | | | contact, and that he is calm and focussed upon you. |
| that listening is a very large part of school learning and | | | | . Keep your communication clear, not garbled, so you |
| is one of our primary means of interacting with other | | | | can be easily understood. A parent who gives out |
| people on a personal basis. It is estimated that | | | | mixed, often conflicting messages, causes confusion |
| between 50 and 75 percent of students’ | | | | which may prompt the child to ‘switch off’ |
| classroom time is spent listening to the teacher, or | | | | because it takes too much effort to try to understand. |
| other students, or to audio media. | | | | . When you tell your child to do something, ask him to |
| Parents set a powerful example of good or poor | | | | repeat your instructions. |
| communication. Parents who listen to their children with | | | | . Regularly read out loud to your child and then talk with |
| interest, intention and patience set a good example. | | | | him in a conversation about what you have read. |
| The child who is able to listen picks things up and | | | | Remember, communication is the most significant part |
| learns quicker than others. In class the child who does | | | | of human interaction, andpeople who are good |
| not listen gets things wrong, makes silly mistakes, and | | | | listeners are able to discern and take in everything |
| often falls behind. | | | | around them. |
| So, how can we as parents help our children to | | | | People who are good listeners are often good at |
| become good listeners? Here are a few pointers. | | | | building rapport with others, avaluable skill for success, |
| . Cut out the ‘noise’ in your home. By | | | | both in relationships and in careers. It’s amazing |
| ‘noise’ I mean all the distractions that may be, | | | | howmany people do not really listen when we are |
| and often are, present in many homes – TV, | | | | speaking to them, but it’s clear to uswhen |
| computers, music. Such noise only serves to hinder | | | | somebody is making the effort to listen – and these |
| good communication. | | | | people stand out from therest. So let’s give our |
| . Teach your child to maintain eye contact when talking | | | | children a head-start, and help them to develop a |
| or listening to you. | | | | valuable skill. |
| . Before speaking to him, make sure you make eye | | | | |