Nothing builds your child's self-esteem more than when you truly
listen and respond to your child's thoughts and feelings. At the
same time, good communication between you and your child in the
early years sets the stage for good communication between you
and your teenager later on. While parenting communication should
never become studied and self-conscious, consider the following:
Quiet, attentive listening takes patience and concentration. Too
often it is easy to react quickly and jump to conclusions before
your child has finished speaking. "Stay with" your child as the
problem or story unfolds. Be sure and give your child your
undivided attention. Look them in the eye on their level and
don’t do other things while you listen. This gives the child the
message that you really care and are truly listening. If your
child knows she can express her point of view to you, she will
be more likely to talk to you about important things as she
grows up. Your child knows what is going on inside. Do not
disregard your