- DO NOT SAY “HOW WAS YOUR DAY” big waste of time. Be specific….”what was the most boring/interesting thing that happened in school today?”. “if you could change one thing about your teacher, what would it be?”
- Wanna get your son to open up? Talk to him while he, or both of you, are engaged in an activity. Honest, it works, with girls, but particularly for boys. Talk to your son while shooting baskets, building Lego or playing cards.
- DON’T FORCE IT! Think of friends you really feel comfortable talking to. They’re usually calm, open, and not pushy. Use those same listening strategies whenever you’re with your child.
- HONOUR SILENCE. Research shows that some kids need a bit longer to open up. So don’t give up during those lulls. Just wait a little longer.
- HALT THE CRITICISM. If you need to bite your tongue to stop those critical, judgmental comments, do so! Don’t come off like a prosecutor or judge. Nothing stops a conversation faster than those “You should have” kind of comments.
-.Talk about your kid’s INTERESTS. Tailor the conversation around your child’s interests: their CD collection, iPod downloads & so on. Doing so might be a great entrée to discussing what’s REALLY going on in your son or daughter’s life.
- Go to your KID’S ZONE. If you want some one-on-one talking time, try going to a place your kid enjoys: A mall to look for shoes, a playground, a Timmies. Your teen may be more relaxed in their own “territory” and just might be more likely to open up to you.
- Ask SPECIFIC QUESTIONS. Generic: “How was your day?” type questions are a big turn off. If you want to invite conversation ask more specific questions: “Who did you sit next to during lunch?” “What story did your teacher read today?” “What game did you play at recess?” “What’s the one thing you’d like to change about your teacher” . You’ll be far more likely to get a response because the question conveys your real interest.
- Ask questions that elicit more than ONE-WORD RESPONSES. Make skillful use of your questions so that your child must respond with more than a one-word answer: “How would you have ended that book?” “What would you have done differently in the game?” “What are your feelings about…?”
There. I’m done. However, I’d appreciate your input on this topic, whether you agree, disagree or are sitting on the fence. I won’t give your name on the radio or online without your permission, so, please feel free to hit me up at gary@mix967.ca or, online at facebook.com/mix967.
You're the One That I Want
I Love Your ___________
Being specific about something underscores your sincerity!
I Love You Just the Way You Are
EVERYBODY goes through changes – be it weight, overall shape, job etc.
I Love You More Today Than Yesterday
A couple in love should see their love grow and mature
I Feel Safe With You
What a friggin’ nice thing to say! Say it!!!
You Bring Out the Best in Me
They do, don’t they? Tell them!
You Make Me Whole
Some might argue against this – however, you can still maintain your individuality and, together – be a whole new entity.
You're My Best Friend
They’d better be!
I Want to Spend the Rest of My Life With You
This commitment statement demonstrates your resolve to work through problems and challenges.
I Love You
REALLY say it! ‘Love ya’s’ DON’T COUNT.
Wanna' comment? Hit me up at gary@mix967.ca or, on our FaceBook page, facebook.com/mix967!
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