The beginning of school is a good time to review pointers in helping children listen more effectively to teachers and parents. Here are ways parents can encourage better listeners. In his book for children, "Listening to the Mukies and Their Character Building Adventures," Robert Bohlken, Ph.D. uses wise and caring characters called Mukies to provide the basis for good listening and communication skills.
Do you sometimes feel that the louder you speak the better your child will listen? This does not always work. In fact, it very seldom works.
The beginning of another school term is a good time to review pointers in helping children listen more effectively to their teachers, and yes, to their parents, too. Listening skills are some of the least taught of the communication skills. Yet, they are essential to the process of interchanging thoughts, ideas and information.
In his book for children, "Listening to the Mukies and Their Character Building Adventures," Robert Bohlken, Ph.D. uses wise and caring characters called Mukies to provide the basis for good listening and communication skills. The stories are intended to be read aloud, and the interaction of reader and listener are as important as the messages presented.
Reading the stories together encourages sharing of thoughts, ideas, and feelings. Throughout the stories questions help further explore the situations or add more explanation as needed. This helps children retain the information they are reading -- and helps them listen more effectively.
Being an active listener is much more than just hearing what the other person is saying. It requires the use of the brain. Active listening involves listening with the eyes and ears as well as focusing on the feelings and messages of the speaker.
Parents can help their children become better listeners by encouraging the following:
*Make good eye contact with the person or persons speaking. This helps to reveal you are interested in what is being said.
*Look interested. Try not to let your mind wander or think about what you will say next.
*Don't interrupt. Let the other person finish speaking before you speak.
*Provide feed-back. This can be by nodding or smiling or verbal feedback.
*Be open minded. Realize there may be a number of different ways to look at the problem or situation.
*Don't monopolize the conversation. Allow the other person to speak.
*Really focus on what the person is saying. What is the main idea? What are the specific details? This helps to focus.
*Ask insightful questions. Be a good responder by asking to clarify a point or a conflicting idea, or to expand the knowledge or information.
*Listen for the meaning beneath the words. The speaker may be expressing feelings such as joy, sorrow, fear, anger, or love. Is there more to what the person is saying than the words being used?
Good listening skills can be learned and are important in all areas of life. Becoming an active listener helps children at school and at home.
Books are available online and from the publishers for $14.95 each plus shipping. Media kits, review copies and interviews available on request.
