HOW TO BE A GOOD LISTENER FOR YOUR CHILD

Below is a list by Napcan Foundation (The National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect):

• Listen the way you wish to be listened to
• Stop what you are doing and look at your child
• Listen to what your child is saying - rather than thinking about how you will respond
• Let your child finish - without interrupting
• Listen with all your senses - pick up on the cues you are given
• Together, work out what needs to happen next
• If you don't have time to listen, don't pretend. Work out another time to talk

Some recommended listening activities with children are;

• Go on a special outing together and listen to their thoughts and feelings
• Wash up together
• Let your child plan and help prepare a meal
• Share daily activities, like walking the dog
• Watch TV shows your child chooses and show interest in them
• Have meals together at the table
• Read a book together and chat about your child's thoughts and feelings