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Communication

Warmth and affection between parent and child leads to higher self-esteem, better communication and fewer behavior problems, according to the Family Plus Website from the Boys & Girls Club of America. It also offers this advice on communicating with your child or teen:

 

  • Give your child your full attention; turn off the television, avoid phone calls and talking to others.
  • Listen carefully, paying attention not only to what your child or teen says, but also to what she does not say.
  • Give your child or teen space to talk; don’t interrupt or stop to ask questions, but be patient and listen.
  • Ask your child what she thinks about what’s happening in her life, at school, in the community.
  • Speak simply, avoid long explanations and speak directly to your child or teen’s concern.
  • Speak courteously and respectfully to your child, just as you would to any other family member or friend.

For more help with the everyday challenges of family life, check the link for the full site below, plus another reference that may be particularly interesting to fathers:

  • Family Plus: Developing Youth By Strengthening Families
    Life-skills assistance, such as cooperative problem solving and negotiating with your child, as well as practical guidance for money management, is included. Also, “if you’re new to this country, check out the overview for foreign-born residents, which highlights the basic resources you’ll need.”
  • Engaging Top-Notch Dads
    Research tells us children with involved fathers enjoy more positive outcomes in self-esteem, school performance and social development. This PDF newsletter from the Florida Department of Children and Families tells how, for both dads and stepdads (it takes a minute or two to load, plus Adobe Acrobat reader software).

Local Resources

Let’s Talk: A Family Guide to Making Responsible Choices            
386-672-2275 ext. 127
Program Type: Prevention
This booklet provides information to help parents talk with their children about making responsible choices, particularly before they become teenagers.