Empathy is one of the most important "listening" tools, when having a conversation with your child. Most children (and people) want to be heard and understood. Most to often we jump into what our child is trying to convey to us. JUST TO BE HEARD and REALLY UNDERSTAND how they are feeling, and the message they are delivering is what is important. The best anaology is they want you to wear their shoes!
Listen to what they are saying. Paraphrase..."so this is what you are telling me". Confirm that you are sympathetic to them..."I can see why you would be upset" or "What can I do to help you?" Too often we jump in, without even realizing it, and offer our expertise or opinion when it was not asked for. This is about them. Remember LISTEN.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empathy
http://www.acaciart.com/stories/archive6.html
No comments:
Post a Comment