Empathy

The two things to keep in mind when listening to your children are validation and empathy.

Validation is accepting however it is they feel. Even if you think it’s ridiculous, impossible or dramatic. Both internally and out loud.

Empathy is the next step and in today’s world, crucial modeling. Empathize with your kiddo by imagining how it must feel to be them. This requires you to slow down and relate.

Feel into what they’re sharing, what it must be like to have the experience they’re having. Play with putting on a ‘beginner’s mind’ instead of your own.

This kind of empathetic listening will make your child feel truly heard and seen. And teach them the value of empathy in the bigger world as well.