Communicating with a Child Who is Struggling: How to Approach with a Pure Intention
As a parent, it can be difficult to communicate with a child who is struggling with anxiety, low mood, or feelings of overwhelm. However, it is important to keep in mind that your intentions matter more than the specific techniques or tools you use to communicate with them. Before approaching your child, ask yourself, "Am I in the right state to influence them?" If not, try to get yourself in a better state first. Then, consider if your child is in the right state to be influenced. If they are not, try to change their mood or wait for a better time to talk to them. It is also important to consider if your tone is condescending or agitated, as this can affect how your child interprets your message. Before speaking to them, use three filters: Is what you're going to say true, kind, and necessary? Remember, it is often what you don't say that matters just as much as what you do say. Keep these principles in mind and approach conversations with your child with a pure intention to add value to their life.
Communicating with a Child Who is Struggling: How to Approach with a Pure Intention
As parents, you want to support and help your children with anything they may be struggling with, whether it’s anxiety, low mood, or feelings of overwhelm. However, sometimes it can be challenging to communicate with them effectively without causing more stress. In this article I will outline effective strategies to approach your child with a pure intention that can add value to their life and help them cope better.
Check Your mood
Before approaching your child, it is vital to check your own mood and see if you are in the right mood to influence them. If you are in a negative emotional state, it may be better to calm down and get yourself into a better mood first before approaching your child. Similarly, it is essential to check if your child is in the right mood to be influenced. If they are not, try to change their mood or wait for a better time to talk to them.
Watch Your Tone
When communicating with your child, it is crucial to watch your tone of voice. A tone that is condescending or agitated can impact how your child interprets your message. Before speaking to them, use three filters: Is what you're going to say true, kind, and necessary? Remember, it is often what you don't say that matters just as much as what you do say.
Have a Pure Intention
Approach conversations with your child with a pure intention to add value to their life. While it's easy to get frustrated or angry with their struggles, remember that your intentions matter more than the specific techniques or tools you use to communicate with them. Listen to their concerns patiently without judgment and offer support and encouragement. Be gentle and non-judgmental when discussing alternative behaviors, techniques, or ways of thinking that may help them cope better.
Conclusion
Communicating with a child who is struggling can be challenging, but it's not impossible. By keeping these principles in mind and approaching conversations with a pure intention, you can effectively support and help your child through their difficulties. Remember to check your mood, watch your tone, and approach discussions with the sole intention of adding value to their life.
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