Children need to learn and understand basic communication skills to get through life. Children who learn listening, speaking and writing skills earlier may have more success at understanding what is expected of them and expressing themselves in healthy, productive ways, states the University of Delaware. Interaction between peers and adults is important in developing avenues of communication and teaching children how to relate their feelings, question and learn in a variety of environments and scenarios.
Exhibit Good Listening Skills
Listening is a skill for children and adults. Listening to children helps them learn how to express their feelings, concerns and ideas. One of the best methods to teach children to listen to the ideas, feelings or requests of others is to listen to theirs as well. This balance encourages children to maintain interest and curiosity in the world around them and with their peers and adults at the same time, suggests Focus Adolescent Services.
Encourage Verbal Communication
Encouraging children, regardless of age, to express themselves also means teaching them the difference between appropriate and inappropriate verbalization. Encouraging children to talk, says Focus Adolescent Services, means asking them to share ideas while actively listening to what they have to say. Maintaining eye contact and turning off the television, radio or putting the newspaper or magazine down when a child is speaking reinforces that what he has to say is important to you and also teaches him courteous behavior toward others when they're speaking.
Resist the Temptation to Interrupt
Children, regardless of age, may not always express themselves quickly or clearly. If a child experiences difficulty explaining something, gently encourage her to continue, suggests the University of Delaware. Don't grow impatient with a child who seems to be talking in circles, but gently guide her to be more precise or try to explain in greater detail what she means or is trying to express.
Read the Signs
Pay attention to visual cues that help you understand how a child might be feeling, even if he's expressing himself clearly. Also be aware of your own visual cues. Guard against displaying anger or impatience with your facial expressions or stance when communicating with a recalcitrant or angry child. Maintain eye contact and encourage the child to express what she's feeling and why.
Encourage Questions
Resist the temptation to ask a child a yes or no question if you're trying to get him to communicate with you, as these just lead to dead ends, states Focus Adolescent Services. Ask the child to share his feelings or ideas and share your own with him as well. Encourage polite discussions and dialogue.
Know When to Stop
Don't expect a 6-year-old, or even a 17-year-old, to be able to communicate everything. Respect privacy, but do let your child know you're always available to listen when he is ready to talk. Fidgeting, staring, distraction and pure stubbornness are indications that your child is not willing to share or express himself at the moment. Respect those feelings and let it go. Try again later.
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