Do you ever feel like you have to extract information from your child to engage them in conversation?
Asking typical questions like “How was school today?” often results in brief responses like “Good,” making it challenging to delve deeper into their thoughts. Despite attempting more open-ended inquiries, it can still be difficult to elicit more elaborate answers. In such situations, consider refraining from bombarding them with questions.
Lindsay Adams, part of the child therapist duo @mindfulasamotherco on Instagram, highlighted the significance of using connecting statements to enhance communication with children. Rather than posing questions, incorporating statements that foster connection can be more effective in building rapport.
For instance, instead of asking about their day, you could say:
- “I thought of you during your math test today.”
- “Ooh, looks like you’re making a snack.”
- “You seem like you’re in a really good mood.”
- “I saw it was raining today during recess.”
By implementing these connecting statements, Adams noted a significant improvement in her husband’s relationship with their son. This approach led to more meaningful conversations rather than just receiving monosyllabic responses.
Communication with children goes beyond words. In addition to using connecting statements, strengthening the parent-child bond can involve physical affection (such as hugs), dedicated one-on-one time, minimizing technology distractions during interactions, and engaging in playtime.
Remember, the key to nurturing a strong connection with your child lies not only in what you say but also in how you engage with them.