Let’s talk
This week has all been focussed around ‘talking’.
Since the children returned to school last week, they have been very hyped up. I have no idea why? They were amazingly good over christmas, when I would have expected them to be sky high, but now we have returned to ‘normality’ (whatever that is), they appear to have rocketed!
Because of this, I have personally been trying to think about how I talk to them, especially since reading this post from Rediscovered Families. I believe if I can maintain a lower level of speech, with lots of encouraging words and phrases, they are more likely to respond in a positive way, than using negative ones. However, this is easier said than done, when they refuse to listen to a word I say!
I also have been spending time this week talking to my children, attempting to find out reasons for certain things going wrong. I have tried to stay calm, even though, inside I am screaming. It can be very difficult to get children to talk about their worries and fears, they don’t have the language and emotional development to understand how to verbalise their feelings. All I can do is keep trying and be patient and understanding.
Using positive phrases is definitely the way to encourage, promote self esteem and positive behaviour in children. They respond so well and are so excited, with smiles beaming across their faces when praise is given. I can see such a difference when positivity is focussed on, everyone is happy all round.
This is what I want for my children, therefore, I aim to improve on this and try to maintain it as best I can. Let’s talk and listen to our children.
I believe it is so important to talk with our children all the time but not in a patronising way as many parents do. We learn so much from our children if we really listen to them. #WotW
So true!
Great word, and sounds like a productive week for you with the children. My daughter’s been like that this week, too, though I confess I may not have stayed as calm as you when she’s repeatedly ignored me! I’ll make an effort with more low-level speech and positivity, thanks for the advice. Thanks for joining in with #WotW x
It is tough when they are not listening, but I really need to make the effort to pay attention to how and what I am saying x
This is very interesting and I must look at the site you mention. Baby isn’t talking yet, but when she is I want to do everything I can to get it right x
Talking is definitely Key, I have to use 1 or 2 word key phrases for my asd daughter to understand #WotW
Talking is what we do all the time, yet we frequently forget what impact it’s having on our children
Fab post Karen. When we were in the midst of 4yo’s worst sleep deprivation and awful behaviour I read a book called How To Calm A Challenging Child. A lot of it is about remaining calm yourself as a parent. Getting down to their level and keeping language simple and direct. I think calmness is key, but it’s not always easy in the face of adversity #WotW
Very true, what you said is so important, but probably one of the most difficult things to do. x
Great word! Iv’e also been talking with my older children this week and trying to listen to them more. I think it’s the only way I’m going to get through the teenage years :)x #WotW
Lol! Yeah, I’m dreading that time!
Wise words, we really do need to talk, and listen – but as you say, that can, at times, be really hard x
Exactly, we need to think about what we say sometimes x
Great post, I need to think about how I talk to my three too. Something we take for granted.
We do take talking for granted, occasionally we need to stop and think what we are actually saying and sounding like
That’s lovely! My little one has just started talking more and more- I needed a reminder to keep chatting to him as after a day of non-stop talking at work sometimes we just sit and play in silence! Thank you
Yes, it can be tough to remember with little ones to keep talking as its us they learn from
A good reminder and I like how you acknowledge you don’t always do things perfectly but you are trying which makes you a good parent
Thank you, it’s tough, but we keep trying
Emma was back to her classes this week and the kids were all hyped up there too, I thunk it’s just the excitement of normality, if this makes any sense, I wouldn’t worry too much about it! #WotW
Thank you, good to know we are not the only ones x