Forget about the telephone and other distractions. Maintain eye contact to show you are really with the child. Showing interest in a child and her activities will encourage her to express her feelings and make her feel important. Children tend to feel very close to an adult who, by expressing concern and caring, gets them talking about themselves. Some children need an invitation to start talking.
Children are more likely to share their ideas and feelings when others think they're important.
Ask children the kinds of questions that will require more than yes or no or right answers. Children often take longer than adults to find the right word. Listen as though you have plenty of time. Hurrying children or calling attention to their use of the wrong word while they are talking is upsetting and confusing. Avoid cutting children off before they have finished speaking.