Training for open communication
Living Democracy » Parents » CHILDREN (4 – 12 years) » Bullying » Training for open communicationTraining for open communication
Here you will find different daily life situations with children. In each case, two different parental reactions are given. Imagine how the interaction would continue pursuant to the stated parental reaction, and write it down.
Then, reflect on the interactions with the help of the following questions: Which parental reaction leads to a better understanding of the child and his/her situation? How can the child find a solution for his/her problem/ situation? How can the parent guide the child through his/her feelings, needs? Which parental reaction leads to a conflict?
At dinner 1
4-year old Samantha does not want to eat. She just pecks in her potatoes.
| A: “Samantha, stop being such a drama queen! Eat your potatoes, or you will go to bed without a bedtime story!“ The mother speaks loudly, with a raised warning finger. | B: “I can see that you’re just pecking in your food and looking at your plate. You also said that you don’t want anything. I suppose you are just tired and not hungry. Am I right?“ |
| How would this interaction continue? | How would this interaction continue? |
Getting up in the morning 2
10-year old Olivia remains in bed and explains: “I can’t go to school today.“ After three wake-up calls, she complains: “Leave me alone! It’s painful!“
| A: “You don’t seem ill, so get out of your bed! We also have to work, even when we don’t feel like it.“ | B: (Imagine a reaction in an open communication situation: What would the mother say?) |
| How would this interaction continue? | How would this interaction continue? |
Meal time
Steve is 14 years old. For two weeks now, he has been refusing to eat dinner with the rest of his family, affirming: “I’m not hungry!” Now, his father wants him to change this behavior.
| A: “As long as you live with us in our house, you have to abide by our rules. And one of the rules states that we’re eating dinner together. Now, come join us and take your place at the table!“ | B: (Imagine a reaction in an open communication situation: What would the father say?) |
| How would this interaction continue? | How would this interaction continue? |
