Communication is a difficult area of parenting, and so many fathers find it a struggle to connect with their children effectively.
Communication is a learned trait, and it is something that doesn’t come naturally to everyone. The more time that you spend with your children, the easier it will become to communicate with them.
A Father’s Part in Communication
Men are taught to keep their emotions in check, and to not express themselves. This is especially true with uncomfortable situations. However, this is no way for a father to raise his children. As a father, you need to be the leader of the family, and to keep the doors of communication open at all times. If your child has a problem, you want them to feel comfortable coming to you.
The following are some helpful tips on how to communicate easily with your children.
Keep it Low Key
Communication doesn’t always have to be behind closed doors and in a formal setting. To keep the lines of connection open with your children, have casual discussions while eating dinner, playing a video game, or in the car.
This doesn’t mean you won’t have the need for a more serious setting, but the informal conversations will be a perfect platform for the other issues.
Speak to Them in a Language That They Understand
It can be confusing for some to wonder what tone and vocabulary to use when talking to their children. It doesn’t mean conversing with them in slang or baby talk. Instead, try talking to them at their level and simplify your grammar. Use words that they will understand and try to keep it casual.
Talk to Your Children About Sex and Drugs
Most parents dread the discussions with their children in regards to sex and drugs. It can be an uncomfortable conversation, but it is a necessary part of growing up. Words of advice and tales of caution from a father are important steps for a child that is going through puberty. Typically a minor occurrence will trigger this discussion, but if you notice that it hasn’t happened by the age of 13, you might want to instigate it.
Before you have this important discussion with your children, do a little research and find out what your child is learning about this topic in school, and how they are going about relaying that information to them. This will help you to get a better grip on what they have already learned, and how you should go about filling in the rest of the information.
Encourage Open Communication
You’ve probably seen your kids throw a temper tantrum and get aggravated. This usually stems from an underlying situation that they do not know how to control. Because they don’t know how to get it out, they express themselves through anger and frustration.
However, through open communication, they will learn how to voice their problems, and ask you to help them find a resolution for the difficult situation that they are going through.
Keeping emotions bottled up can lead to more serious physical and emotional concerns as your children grows into adulthood. That is why it’s critical to encourage your children to communicate their feelings to you. As a father, you will be able to help them and lead them toward a better path.