Tackle Your Child’s Rebellious Phase! Master 3 Communication Skills for a Harmonious Parent-Child Relationship
As children grow older, they develop more independent thoughts, and parents may notice their once obedient little angels are no longer “compliant.” Despite their efforts, parents often encounter situations where their words seem to fall on deaf ears, making parent-child communication more challenging. However, this change isn’t because children refuse to listen, but because communication methods need adjustment. Mastering the right speaking techniques not only helps children better understand but also promotes their independent thinking and actions.Emotionally considerate instructions are more effective. When children are immersed in their world, whether they are having fun or experiencing emotional fluctuations, direct commands are often ignored or met with resistance. In such cases, parents can try a different approach by first acknowledging the child's emotions before giving guiding instructions. Starting with the child's feelings can make them feel understood and reduce conflict, increasing their willingness to cooperate.For example: “Jumping on the bed is fun, isn’t it? But I know a safer and more exciting place to jump!” This phrasing helps the child feel respected while achieving the desired outcome.Three communication techniques parents must learn to help children develop self-motivation. (Photo/Provided by Heho)"Can" works better than "can't" Children’s world is innocent and carefree, and they are more receptive to positive expressions. Constantly saying "can't" may make them feel overly restricted and lose direction. Instead, using “can” to clearly guide their actions helps children understand faster and cooperate more effectively.For instance, when a child sees a puddle and wants to jump in it, instead of saying "Don’t step in the puddle," you can say "When you see a puddle, step over it." This approach helps the child grasp the point of the behavior and naturally follow instructions.Provide room for independent choices By around three years old, children begin developing self-awareness and seek control over their actions, often resisting strict commands. In such cases, instead of giving orders, parents can offer them opportunities to make independent choices. This not only makes children feel valued but also encourages them to take responsibility for their decisions.For example, if you want your child to tidy up their toys, instead of saying "Can you tidy up your toys?" which might be ignored or resisted, try saying "Do you want to tidy up by yourself or do it with mom and dad?" This gives children a sense of decision-making power, making them more willing to act.Effective parent-child communication is the foundation of education By mastering these three speaking techniques, parents can more easily guide their children in developing good habits, reducing unnecessary conflicts. At the same time, children can cultivate self-discipline and self-management abilities, promoting independent actions. Most importantly, this communication style fosters a more harmonious parent-child relationship, supporting better emotional regulation and well-being for children.
