Parenting comes with many challenges and sometimes, it can be so demanding and overwhelming due to the many challenges in a parent-child relationship that arise due to miscommunication or the lack of communication. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as different communication styles, different expectations, or simply a lack of time to talk.
In some cases, miscommunication can even lead to more serious problems such as behavioral problems or mental health issues. But there is no need to worry because there are many things you can do and lucky for you, this episode is a continuation of our previous episode on Ways to Improve Communication With Your Child or Teen.
How to create opportunities for open dialogue.
As mentioned in the previous episode, parents should actively listen and engage with their kids. But more than that, let us create opportunities for open dialogue with our kids since great conversations don’t just happen. They take time, effort, and commitment.
When we create opportunities for open dialogue with our kids, we build stronger relationships, learn more about them, and help them develop into well-rounded teens or adults. We should also be respectful of our kids' opinions, even if we don't agree with them.
We're definitely not going to paint a picture of parenting as something easy and bearable all the time but I want to encourage parents to show empathy as much as you can. I think many would agree that it is not easy being a kid now due to many expectations and pressures set upon them.
When parents show empathy to their children, they are sending the message that their feelings matter and that they are valued. It is thus essential for building strong relationships and for helping children develop emotionally.
Ultimatums vs. clear boundaries.
I want to emphasize that we need to avoid ultimatums. However, what we need to do is to set clear boundaries and that is totally different from setting ultimatums. Ultimatums are not effective parenting tools and can create resentment and make children feel like they are being controlled.
In fact, ultimatums somehow seem like you’re bribing your kids to behave or to do something you want. Boundaries, on the other hand, are about what you will and will not accept, and they are not about controlling others. By setting clear boundaries and being respectful of your child's feelings, you can create a safe and healthy environment.
Moreover, boundaries teach children about what is acceptable behavior and what is not. They also teach children how to respect the boundaries of others. By having clear boundaries, our kids are made aware of what to expect and what is not allowed. This can help them feel more in control of their lives.
Using humor to defuse difficult situations.
Humor is my favorite way to improve communication. I think humor is a wonderful way to defuse pretty much anything particularly difficult situations. It’s a great way to open up communication, defuse those big feelings and get really what's underneath.
It can help to break the ice, diffuse tension, and make people feel more comfortable. When used well, humor can also help to build rapport and trust. However, humor must be consensually agreed upon since some people are a little more sensitive than others. Not everyone appreciates the same kind of humor, and what one person finds funny, another person might find offensive.
Communication requires consistency.
Your kids crave consistency which is why we want to make them feel validated and recognized as much as we can. Consistency in communication may also signify how reliable you are as a parent. It also helps avoid confusion and misunderstandings. When you’re consistent, your kid is less likely to misinterpret what you are saying.
As parents, we should always encourage positive communication. By working to improve communication, parents can create a stronger and more positive relationship with their children. This can help to prevent problems and promote healthy development.
For more information, you can check out this blog post: What Should I Do When Communication Is Broken Down With My Teen Or Child.
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