Positive Listening

By Bonnie Evie Gifford

 A staggering 96% of us think we’re good listeners, yet according to research, we only retain about half of what others say. The main reason behind this? We tend to think about what we are going to say - or start making assumptions when we should still be listening.

 Coach Jo Thompson explains more about how we can switch from offering unsolicited advice to listening to our teens to really help support them as they thrive, grow, and be happy.

 “As grown-ups, we are always watching the young people around us for signs of discontent: a child is afraid to go to bed at night or won't go to school; a teenager can't get down to work and is always on the sofa, or who is doing so much work that they never rest on the sofa.

“This discontent can start to cause friction within homes, as parents try to second guess the problem and advise young people on how to address things - and the children push back. This is not because they don't want to change. They just may not be able to do it in the way that works for the adult.

 “Focus on the great job you have done so far in parenting or teaching them, and then help them continue to grow (and grow yourself!) by changing how you approach the matter. Give them space rather than your opinion.

 “Try showing them that you are listening to their problems by resisting the urge to advise. Instead, repeat the problem they are telling you about, repeat what you understand to be the issue and watch them open up and give you some more about it. If they say things out loud, not only do you get more clues about what's going on with them, but they also start to process things and grow into working out the way forward for themselves.”

 Source:

Happiful.com

7 Ways to Support and Encourage Emotional Growth in Children and Teens

7 February 2022