This is especially true in school. To practice at home with your child, make sure the radio, TV, or computer is off. This body language sends the message that your words are important and you are also ready to focus on her thoughts and ideas. Have your child look at you and remind her that her body, hands, fingers, and feet should not be moving. Make sure she is quiet when you are talking, and you are quiet when she responds to you.
Someone has to listen while the other one speaks.
To make sure your child understood the information expressed, have her repeat or rephrase what you said. Paraphrasing lets the speaker know the listener comprehends the information. Sports, academics, family obligations, and electronic gizmos are demanding your family s time. Even more so, life s activities are eroding the intimacy of a nice conversation with your child. It doesn t need a uniform or car for transport or battery or cable installation to make it work.