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5 Communication Styles Parents Use for Happier, Close-knit, and Successful Children

Parents, please remember that the way you communicate can greatly impact the parent-child relationship. It can even affect the emotional well-being and development of your child.

Administrator

4 March, 2024

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One of the ways to create a connection between parents and children is through communication. Parental communication is extremely important because it creates bonding or division. Effective communication by parents helps children develop and love their parents more. On the other hand, if parents have harsh and unpleasant ways of communicating, it will distance parents and children and even cause lasting emotional damage to the child. Here are 5 ways that parents can apply:

Use positive language

Even if children make mistakes, if parents use positive language, it will help them change their behavior better than criticism or scolding. For example, if a child doesn’t put away their toys, parents can say, “Dad trusts that you will put away your toys because you always do a great job.” This type of encouraging expression not only avoids negative emotions but also enhances the child’s confidence and sense of responsibility.

Talking to children in a positive language rather than criticizing is better for children

Communicate with empathy

When a child faces disappointment or frustration, the top priority for parents is to understand and accept their child’s emotions. Instead of saying “Don’t be frustrated anymore,” “What does being frustrated accomplish,” say it this way, “Mom knows you’re sad, who wouldn’t be sad, but you tried your best, mom is proud of you.” This empathetic communication style can help children learn how to express and manage their emotions, while feeling supported and understood by their parents.

Collaborate with body language

In addition to verbal language, body language is also an important part of communication. Besides words, the look in the eyes, smiles, touches, holding hands… of parents can convey warmth and trust more effectively. For example, when a child shows their artwork to their parents, they can smile and look at their child with affirmative eyes, or hug their child to show pride. Body language like this has more power than any praise.

Teach through storytelling

Children fundamentally prefer to hear stories, and when they hear stories, they are more receptive to stories, so parents can convey the truth through storytelling. For example, when a child doesn’t want to share with a friend, parents can tell a story about sharing so the child understands the joy and importance of sharing in the story. Through the content of the story, children will understand better what parents want them to do.

Role play situations

Children sometimes don’t understand, can’t imagine what parents are teaching. Children need a more specific description. So parents can use role-playing to help children understand the consequences of certain actions.

For example, if a child encounters conflict at school, parents can simulate the situation with their child and explore different solutions through role-playing. This approach not only helps children learn problem-solving skills but also increases empathy.

Communication between parents and children is not only about conveying information but also teaches your child about EQ. Therefore, in parenting, learning how to communicate with your child effectively is essential.

Frequently asked questions

Positive language helps children change their behavior without criticism or scolding. It enhances their confidence and sense of responsibility while also avoiding negative emotions. For example, instead of scolding a child for not putting away their toys, a parent can say, “I trust that you’ll put your toys away because you always do a great job.”

When a child is disappointed or frustrated, parents should first understand and accept their child’s emotions. Instead of dismissing their feelings, say something like, “I know you’re sad, and that’s okay. You tried your best, and I’m proud of you.” This helps children learn to express and manage their emotions while feeling supported.

Body language, such as eye contact, smiles, touches, and holding hands, can convey warmth and trust effectively. For example, when a child shows their artwork, a parent can smile and look at them with proud eyes or give them a hug. This type of non-verbal communication is powerful in showing support and encouragement.

Children are often more receptive to stories than direct instructions. Parents can use this to their advantage by conveying important lessons and values through storytelling. For example, if a child is reluctant to share with a friend, a parent can tell a story about the joys of sharing.

Role-playing helps children understand the consequences of their actions and teaches them problem-solving skills. For instance, if a child is facing a conflict at school, parents can role-play different solutions, helping the child navigate similar situations in the future and increasing their empathy.