Want to make your relationship and communication with your child stronger? Try working on your active listening skills.

Active listening is the act of setting aside what is going on in your own life or thoughts to focus completely on what someone else is saying. An active listener must fully concentrate on the speaker and show that they are listening and understanding.

Active listening lets your child know that you are interested in what they are saying and not making judgements about them. This will make them much more willing to come to you with a problem and share things that happen with you. Active listening also teaches your child how to do this, themselves, to build strong relationships with others.

Use these 4 steps to practice active listening with your child:

1. Make eye contact
2. Stop other things you are doing
3. To make sure you understand, repeat back what your child is saying and what you think they might be feeling
4. Ask questions

Now, ask your child about their day and actively listen to their response!

Learn 5 more ways to listen better here: https://www.ted.com/talks/julian_treasure_5_ways_to_listen_better#t-372398