Great link to an article about empathy: http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1982190,00.html
One of the skills that we discuss in our STEP Parenting classes is good communication. Reflective listening asks parents to listen and then reflect what they think their child is feeling. Children and teens then know that they are being listened to and understood...which validates their feelings.
We also discuss I-messages which are a way for parents to let their children know how their behavior affects them without shaming or blaming.
Less defensiveness = less conflict.
Less defensiveness = less conflict.
Not only are children learning how to listen themselves when they see it modeled by their parents, they also learn that talking about feelings is ok, and they learn empathy..the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
To find out about workshops and summer camps designed to teach children self-respect and personal empowerment visit http://www.girlsempowered.com
If you are interested in more information on parenting issues, CARE of Southeastern Michigan offers parenting classes throughout the year at various locations in Macomb County. You can view upcoming classes, get more information, and register online at http://www.careofsem.com/workshops.php or call CARE at 586-541-0033.
I also co-host a parenting chat at http://www.macombdaily.com/ with the Health and Lifestyle Writer, Maryanne Kocis-MacLeod, on the 1st Wednesday of the month at 11:30-12:30 pm.
No comments:
Post a Comment