Parents Who Do These 5 Little Things Raise Kids Who Actually Talk To Them About Their Problems
As a parent, you can usually tell when your child is facing problems with friends at school, even if they haven’t said anything about it. But no matter how many parenting tips or advice books you’ve read about creating an open, secure relationship with your kid, it can feel impossible to get more than a one-word answer.
As a parent, it’s natural to worry and wonder about your child’s life outside your household. And when you sense something is off, your parenting skills go into overdrive. You suddenly find yourself acting as a secret agent seeking information, but at the same time, trying to give your kid the space she needs to be independent.
So if you aren’t looking to become the next great detective, there are things you can do to make your child feel more comfortable opening up to you.
Parents who do these 5 little things raise kids who actually talk to them about their problems:
1. Don’t surrender the conversation
It’s easy to be rebuffed by your child and then give up. But by surrendering the conversation, you are leaving your child without critical guidance. Start by finding a consistent time or a positive place to talk about any social issues your kid is encountering.
Break up the routine. Spend time with your child one-on-one without siblings, and give your child the space to hear that you care and that you’re worried. This time together will help your child feel comfortable opening up to you.