12 Secrets of Successful Families - Conclusion of 5.Communication

BIBLE PRINCIPLE:  "Let each one keep seeking, not his own advantage, but that of the other person." - 1 CORINTHIANS 10:24.

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

If you can related 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, not 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." -Maranda.

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

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

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

"We take advantage of car rides. Being side-by-side rather than across from each other has led to good discussions." -Nicole.

Mealtime presents another opportunity for informal conversation.

"At dinnertime each of us relates the worst thing and the best think that happened that day.  This practice unites us and lets each of us know that we don't have to face problems alone." -Robin.

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

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

From the jw.org publications