| Listening is a valuable skill. The latest studies reveal | | | | contact, and that he is calm and focussed upon you. |
| that listening is a very large part of school learning and | | | | . Keep your communication clear, not garbled, so you |
| is one of our primary means of interacting with other | | | | can be easily understood. A parent who gives out |
| people on a personal basis. It is estimated that | | | | mixed, often conflicting messages, causes confusion |
| between 50 and 75 percent of students' classroom | | | | which may prompt the child to 'switch off' because it |
| time is spent listening to the teacher, or other students, | | | | takes too much effort to try to understand. |
| or to audio media. | | | | . When you tell your child to do something, ask him to |
| Parents set a powerful example of good or poor | | | | repeat your instructions. |
| communication. Parents who listen to their children with | | | | . Regularly read out loud to your child and then talk with |
| interest, intention and patience set a good example. | | | | him in a conversation about what you have read. |
| The child who is able to listen picks things up and | | | | Remember, communication is the most significant part |
| learns quicker than others. In class the child who does | | | | of human interaction, andpeople who are good |
| not listen gets things wrong, makes silly mistakes, and | | | | listeners are able to discern and take in everything |
| often falls behind. | | | | around them. |
| So, how can we as parents help our children to | | | | People who are good listeners are often good at |
| become good listeners? Here are a few pointers. | | | | building rapport with others, avaluable skill for success, |
| . Cut out the 'noise' in your home. By 'noise' I mean all | | | | both in relationships and in careers. It's amazing |
| the distractions that may be, and often are, present in | | | | howmany people do not really listen when we are |
| many homes - TV, computers, music. Such noise only | | | | speaking to them, but it's clear to uswhen somebody is |
| serves to hinder good communication. | | | | making the effort to listen - and these people stand |
| . Teach your child to maintain eye contact when talking | | | | out from therest. So let's give our children a head-start, |
| or listening to you. | | | | and help them to develop a valuable skill. |
| . Before speaking to him, make sure you make eye | | | | |