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Listening
Helps Kids Be Less Selfish
A very
important skill that children will need as adults is the ability
to listen. Listening isn't easy. Most people would rather
talk. Children interrupt, yell, and talk over each other,
often resulting in misunderstanding. Teaching children how
to listen can be a way to help them become less selfish.
One mom
told how she taught her children to listen. "I use this
technique whenever my boys are in conflict over a toy. I sit
them down with the toy on the table and say, 'You can play
with the toy as soon as you both agree on a plan.' I encourage
them each to share an idea and listen to the other's idea.
I teach them about compromise, working together, and sharing,
but I let them work it out. Sometimes they'll both be stubborn
and I'll have them stay there until they can agree on a plan.
I coach them along when they need it. They must always report
back to me before continuing to play, providing an opportunity
for me to affirm unselfishness and cooperation."
It can
be fun to teach a five-year-old how to persuade a two-year-old,
or help two eight-year-olds negotiate a solution. Conflict
is turned into cooperation through listening.
This parenting
tip is taken from the book, "Say Goodbye to Whining,
Complaining, and Bad Attitudes, In You and Your Kids."
For more information go to www.effectiveparenting.org
Service
Related Referral Sources:
Drug Abuse 24-hour hotline 800-234-1253
Drug Abuse AAA 800-222-0199
Family Resources http://www.family.samhsa.gov/main/facts.aspx
Dr. Mom
F Felicia Ferrara, Ph.D.
The Consultation and Evaluation Center
www.CECconsultants.com
Tampa, FL
813-259-0303
813-416-8494
©
2004 Ferrara Copyright
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