Parenting Programs
Communication in the Family: Talking, Listening, and Problem Solving
The way we communicate in our family affects everything about how our children grow and flourish. This four-part series helps parents to say what they mean and hear the real messages of their children and other loved ones. Participants will leave having learned a proven method for good communication using responsive listening techniques as well as clear and sensitive expressions of parents’ own needs and expectations. A problem-solving process will also be shared.
Session One
Getting Children to Tell You What’s On Their Minds: Responsive Listening
Parents want their children to tell them about their joys, problems, worries, and social relationships, but it’s not always easy getting them to open up. This session focuses on the communication skill of responsive listening. This skill helps children feel understood and supported and encourages them to let parents know what they are thinking and feeling. Responsive listening also helps children clarify what they are feeling and make decisions on their own about how they want to act. Participants will leave having learned and practiced the technique of responsive listening and other skills that enhance communication between parents and children.
Session Two
Getting Children to Hear What You Say: Expressing Yourself Sensitively
Good communication requires not only effective listening, but also the ability to express one’s own needs and desires clearly and sensitively. This session focuses on language that accurately and as specifically as possible conveys parents’ emotions, wishes, and expectations so that children get the message. Participants will leave having learned and practiced several communication techniques.
Session Three
Engaging Cooperation: Problem Solving with Children
Conflicts are a part of normal family life. At times, parents’ needs genuinely conflict with their children’s. Some conflicts are occasional, while others seem to occur over and over again. This session will focus on a problem-solving process parents can engage in with children to resolve conflicts and to gain cooperation. Participants will leave with a rehearsed step-by-step process to use at home.
Session Four
When Parents Disagree: Resolving Conflicts Constructively
Parents often have different ideas about childrearing based on their experiences in their families of origin, their temperaments, and styles. Ethnic and cultural values also play a role in how parents view childrearing. This session provides tools that will help parents resolve conflicts and work as partners in raising their children. Participants will leave with several methods to effectively discuss their differences and reach decisions about their parenting.
