Communication is a skill that is often forgotten in the midst of today's hectic lives, but effective communication is a skill worth cultivating. Without the ability to communicate effectively, family life becomes much more difficult. According to specialists at New Mexico State University, effective communication is an essential key to healthy and positive family relationships, nipping potential problems in the bud while relieving stress among family members. For young children, the ability to communicate positively is an effective way to build social skills and self-confidence.
Step 1
Turn off the TV and cell phone and invite every member of the family to a family meeting. Meet regularly and plan meetings ahead of time. Give everybody an opportunity to speak and to be heard. Keep the atmosphere comfortable and don't use the time as an opportunity to lecture. According to specialists at South Dakota State University, the goals of a family meeting are to practice communication skills, prevent problems before they begin while increasing positive family time and learning about the feelings and expectations of all family members.
Step 2
Eat meals together as often as possible. Professionals at New Mexico State University note that the evening meal is key to family communication--a time for families to reconnect and get to know one another better. A simple, quick meal will work just as well as an elaborate meal. Invite family members to help you by setting the table or helping with easy tasks.
Step 3
Ask your children open-ended questions that show interest and give them an opportunity to talk about their thoughts and feelings. Avoid yes or no questions. If you can't come up with impromptu questions, plant some questions ahead of time. Write the questions on slips of paper. Put the questions in a hat and let each family member choose a question. Questions can be serious, such as "Is it ever okay to tell a lie?" or more lighthearted, such as "Tell me about your favorite movie character." Give family members an opportunity to put their own questions in the hat.
Step 4
Touch your family members occasionally to show that you value them and that you are paying full attention. Educators at Ohio State University state that giving children full attention in this manner will build self-confidence while improving communication skills. Let young children sit on your lap when you talk to them. Touch the shoulder of older children or sit side-by-side while you visit.
