Think about communicating with your partner when he or she really needs you to listen carefully and carefully. When your child is trying to tell you something, make sure you can give it your full attention.
If it's not a good time, tell him (politely) that another time would be better to talk. You can be specific: in 10 minutes, after dinner, tomorrow morning. Just make sure you talk about it when you said you would, even if he or she forgets (or is reluctant) to bring it up again.
Think twice
Don't put off a conversation for an indefinite period of time. You will most likely never get it, and the problem will only get worse. Plan a specific time and stick to it! When listening to your child, always ask yourself the following three questions:
- Are you giving it your full attention?
- Do you understand what it tells you?
- Do you know what he wants from you?
To be a good listener, you must answer "yes" to all of these questions. If you are distracted, suggest a better time to talk. If you don't understand what your son says, tell him to explain again. It is also important to know exactly what your child wants from you at that moment.
If your child tells you that he has invited his friends to the house on Friday afternoon, you should clarify several things: whether or not you approve of this, if he needs help, if he knows what they will do in that meeting etc. What matters is that your child knows that you are listening to him and that you want to understand every word he says to you.
Remember that if you want your children to be good listeners, they must learn to be so from you. This means that you have to be a good example. How would you feel if when you talk to your children they don't look away from the TV, the computer or the cell phone? Feelings are very likely negative, so don't make them feel that way!