My article in oneindia.com

http://www.boldsky.com/pregnancy-parenting/kids/2013/tips-for-effective-communication-with-kids-032416.html

TIPS FOR EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION WITH CHILDREN

Happy family is the best gift that anyone can ever get. But in this modern age, family bonds are getting loosened due to various reasons. Each member of a family has a different personality and age. The best way to bring them all close to each other is effective communication. Kids brought up in a happy family will always come out as a responsible and efficient social beings. Expressing your love and discussing any problem will result in a happy family. 

Here are some tips for communicating with kids. 

1. Listen to your children. Let them know that you are interested in knowing about them. Ask them what happened in school and share how your day was. Don't turn to television, newspaper or telephone when they start talking. 

2. Talk to them. Stop debating in social networks and talk to your child about his favorite game, cartoon or book. Be surprised to see how talkative they will be. 

3. Give them some time to respond. Children may take some time to process and understand what you have said. 

4. Computers and internet has become inevitable part of our daily life. Children are growing up watching and copying their parents spending free time with internet. Give them your time when your kids want it the most and they will like it more than playing video games. 

5. Make your communication with kids simple and clear. Don't make children confused between your attitude and words. Gestures are as important as words for children. 

6. Appreciate them generously and loudly for any achievement. Also, make sure you comfort them in failures. 

7. Communication should always be something that motivates your child. Make them feel secure. Give them full freedom that they can run to you at any time. 

8. While giving instructions, remember to keep it positive. For example, instead to telling "John, don't take that book" you can try "John, keep that book in place." 

9. Respond with patience. Think with a kid's mind after listening to them. Take some time to think about what your child want to convey and respond in a gentle and caring way. 

10. Never use abusing words in front of children. Don't discuss family matters in front of children if they are not good enough to take it positively. At the same time, consider their opinion also when taking any family related decision. 

Communication is the best way to express your feelings for your child. Let them know that they are blessed with the best family in this world.

Read more at: http://www.boldsky.com/pregnancy-parenting/kids/2013/tips-for-effective-communication-with-kids-032416.html