12 Secrets for Successful Families - Conclusion of 5. Communications

Fight distraction.  One father admits:  "I sometimes find myself mentally multitasking when my children are speaking.  And I am not fooling them-they can tell!" 

If you can relate to that statement, turn off the TV and put down all devices.  Focus on what your child is saying, and treat his or her concern as worthy of your full attention, no matter how trivial it may seem/

"We need to assure our children that their feelings are important to us.  If they think otherwise, they will keep their concerns locked inside or turn elsewhere for help." - Miranda.

"Don't overreact, even if your child's thinking is way off center." -Anthony.

BIBLE PRINCIPLE: "Pay attention to how you listen." - Luke 8:18.

Take advantage of informal settings.  Sometimes children op;en up when they are not sitting face-to-face with a parent.

"We take advantage of care rides. Being side-to-side rather than across from each others has led to good discussions." -Nichole.

Mealtime presents opportunity for informal conversation. 

BIBLE PRINCIPLE: "Be quick to listen [and] slow to speak." -James 1:19. 

Next time: 12 Secrets for Successful Families - 6. Discipline 

From the jw.org publications