Keys to communicating with children - educate responsible children

When we become parents, we begin an ongoing learning process that, although at times challenging, is also deeply enriching and beautiful. A fundamental part of this new learning is the communication we establish with our little ones from the first moment of gestation. From the womb, our baby can sense our attempts to communicate with him, thus laying the foundation for an effective relationship throughout his life, providing him with the affection and preparation necessary to successfully assume his role as an adult in the future.

Respecting the stages

Parents are responsible for meeting their children's needs in all aspects, not only material, but also in terms of their emotional and educational development. The way they communicate with their children can facilitate or complicate this task and will have a significant impact on family life, generating positive or negative results. For this reason, it is very beneficial for parents to familiarize themselves with what child psychology experts call the interests of children according to their developmental stages. This knowledge will allow them to better understand the changes their children experience as they grow. In addition, the growing influence of technology in the home increases learning and interaction opportunities for little ones, which in turn requires adults to be more aware of the importance of their physical accompaniment, as their presence and voice should not be replaced.

Broadly speaking, these stages are:

• First stage: Comprises approximately up to the age of three, where communication with children is based on the rhythm of the language they learn in their daily interaction. They like the repetition of words and, due to their limited understanding of reality, they are more attracted to sounds than to meanings. During this stage, changes in their physique and behavior are evident, and communication becomes a tool to teach them how to relate properly with others. It is a time when they demand attention, but intelligent, loving and firm communication will get them through this stage in a positive way. It is essential to remember that communication also includes non-verbal language, such as hugs, caresses, smiles, gestures and games, which help them to perfect their balance, movements, spatial coordination and interpersonal relationships.

• Second stage: This is approximately from the age of four, when children have acquired a basic command of language and develop their imagination, giving life to inanimate objects in their environment. At the beginning of school, they also begin to think and understand more clearly, allowing parents to transmit values useful for their life in society.

• Third stage: It is characterized by an increased sense of humor, children can understand various situations and, if communication with their parents is sincere and healthy, they will be able to express their ideas. This stage coincides with the end of primary education.

• Fourth stage: It extends until the beginning of adolescence and is one of the most complex, as children go through hormonal changes that affect both their physical appearance and their mood, requiring greater support and understanding from parents.

How we should communicate

Effective communication with children should have the following characteristics:

• Offer praise when they deserve it.

• Pay attention to what they say so that they feel heard.

• Do not argue, since responding in a friendly manner will allow them to learn and assume responsibilities.

• Avoid imposing decisions and seek agreement.

• Set an example and share experiences.

• Avoid constant criticism and, instead, try to persuade children to correct their mistakes.

• Recognize that voice, look and gestures also transmit messages, which should be clear, avoiding the unnecessary.

• Take into account the physical environment, since it influences the reception of the message.

• Acting with empathy strengthens trust and allows children to feel that they are loved.

Effective communication

The communication provided by parents is irreplaceable in the formation of children, as it allows both parties to get to know each other and share knowledge and skills that foster the personal development of everyone in the family. Sincere, intelligent and affectionate communication creates a safe emotional environment for children to learn values, customs, traditions and the ethics that characterize their family, which will be what they will share in the future with their own descendants.

Effective communication gives children a level of understanding and affection that allows them to grow in a healthy way, developing skills to establish good relationships in the future, and receiving the support and affection from their parents that they need to strengthen their self-esteem and successfully face new challenges in their lives.

When parents maintain good communication with their children, they not only transmit knowledge and support, but also create pleasant moments of high emotional value, such as when they praise their children for a good achievement, play with them or motivate them to act to achieve their goals, always showing respect and love towards them as unique and valuable beings.