Mama Listen to me

Listening with Love: The Power of Being Heard

This past week has been a harrowing time for many in Kenya. The young generation cried out for attention and change, only to be met with silence and, tragically, violence. As parents, this heartbreaking scenario serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of listening to our children and showing them that their voices matter.

In this newsletter, we’ll explore tips for positive parenting, emphasizing the crucial role of active listening in nurturing a trusting and respectful relationship with our children.

The Impact of Feeling Unheard

When the president of Kenya chose not to listen to the voices of the youth, it sparked frustration and despair. This situation is a poignant parallel to what can happen within our own homes if we fail to listen to our children. When children feel unheard, they may resort to extreme behaviors to capture our attention, leading to strained relationships and emotional turmoil.

Tips for Positive Parenting: Active Listening

1. Create a Safe Space for Communication

   • Ensure that your children know they can come to you with any concerns, without fear of judgment or punishment. Establishing a safe and open environment encourages them to share their thoughts and feelings.

2. Practice Active Listening

   • Engage fully in conversations with your children. Maintain eye contact, nod in acknowledgment, and provide verbal affirmations. Show them that you are genuinely interested in what they have to say.

3. Validate Their Feelings

   • Acknowledge your child’s emotions, even if you don’t agree with their perspective. Saying things like, “I understand you’re feeling upset” can go a long way in making them feel heard and respected.

4. Ask Open-Ended Questions

   • Encourage deeper conversation by asking questions that require more than a yes or no answer. For instance, “How did that make you feel?” or “What do you think we can do about this?”

5. Be Patient and Avoid Interruptions

   • Let your child finish their thoughts before responding. Interrupting can make them feel like their opinions are not valued.

6. Model Good Communication

   • Demonstrate the behaviors you want to see in your children. Show empathy, patience, and respect in your interactions, setting a positive example for them to follow.

7. Encourage Problem-Solving

   • Work with your children to find solutions to their problems, rather than solving everything for them. This empowers them and shows that you trust their abilities.

The Long-Term Benefits

When children know that their voices are heard and valued, they are more likely to develop into confident and respectful adults. They learn to express themselves healthily and constructively, reducing the likelihood of resorting to extreme measures to be noticed.

In light of recent events, let us take a moment to reflect on the importance of listening in our parenting journeys. By fostering open communication and validating our children’s feelings, we can build stronger, more resilient relationships and guide them toward a brighter future.

Remember, in the words of Proverbs 18:13: “To answer before listening—that is folly and shame.” Let us strive to be the attentive, empathetic listeners our children need us to be

Kezzy