As a parent, you want to ensure your child feels comfortable talking to you about anything. But it can be challenging to establish open communication, especially with older kids. In this blog post, we’ve put together six creative ways to encourage open communication with your children. But first, let’s discuss the benefits of open communication with kids.
Benefits of Open Communication with Your Children
Having good communication with your child is so important, especially in our modern times, where dangers can be so quickly introduced to kids through their devices. Having an open line of communication between parents and kids will ensure you’re the one they turn to in moments of confusion or fear. This will also make it easier for kids to discuss difficult topics with you when they’re older.
Tips for Making Communication Fun
Now that you understand the benefits of open communication with your children, let’s discuss six tips for making communication fun.
- Role-Play
Children are more likely to communicate when they feel like it’s a game. Make communicating fun using toys and puppets to act out scenes with your children. This activity is an excellent way to develop open communication with your kids.
- Family Storytime
Set aside a specific time during the week to read a book together as a family. After reading the story, encourage every family member to share their thoughts and their favorite parts of the story and discuss the message. You could use this time to approach sensitive topics with your kids.
- Family Game Night
Choose one night weekly or biweekly to host a family game night. Playing games with children that require communication and working together will make your children feel more comfortable opening up and being themselves and will strengthen your bond with them.
If you’d like some more ideas on how to turn an ordinary evening into a fun night with the family, read our unique family night ideas.
- Cook Together
In many cultures, families use cooking time to catch up while in the kitchen. You can do the same with your kids. Involve your children in meal preparation by assigning child-friendly tasks to them. Ensure the kitchen is a relaxed environment that would make it easy for your kids to open up.
- Take a Walk
Taking a walk is an excellent way to unwind and clear your head. This activity would allow your children to calm down and communicate with you about things they may not necessarily be comfortable talking about at home.
- Start a Family Journal
Some people find it easier to share how they feel by writing it down rather than saying it out loud. If that’s the case with your child, a family journal could be the right choice to open the lines of communication. A family journal is one book where each family member can write about their day or share their thoughts and experiences.
In conclusion, parenting is challenging, especially if you struggle to communicate with your child. But using fun and creative activities to establish open lines of communication with your kids can have a massive impact.