Daily Tips for Families

Today's Tip for Families

04-02-2024

Model Careful Listening for Your Child

You want your child to listen attentively in classes and at home. One of the best ways to teach this skill is to model it by giving your elementary schooler your undivided attention. But there are also some other factors that influence how well you and your child listen to each other.

Take these factors into account:

Time of day. People function differently at different times of the day. You may be an early bird while your child is a night owl. Understanding your individual "clocks" may help prevent some misunderstandings.
Setting. You know that it's tough to listen to your child when you're trying to work or get dinner on the table, the dog is barking and a delivery truck has just arrived. If you know your child is trying to talk in a setting that makes it difficult for you to listen, make an appointment to talk later.
Nonverbal behavior. Tone of voice, facial expression and eye contact all signal willingness to listen. When you listen to your child, smile and look your student in the eye. Ask your child to do the same when you are speaking.

Brought to you by:

West Point Consolidated School District