Here are five ways active listening can help you to parent your tween consciously:

1) Building Trust:

Active listening demonstrates to children that their thoughts, feelings, and experiences are valued. When they feel heard and understood, they are more likely to trust their parents and share their concerns openly.

2) Validating Emotions:

Tweens often experience a rollercoaster of emotions. Active listening involves acknowledging and validating their feelings, even if you may not fully understand or agree. This validation helps them to feel understood and accepted.

3) Empathy and Connection:

When parents actively listen, they put themselves in their child’s shoes, trying to see the world from their perspective.

This empathetic approach fosters a deeper emotional connection and allows parents to respond with genuine compassion.

4) Encouraging Open Communication:

Active listening encourages tweens to express themselves openly. By creating a non-judgmental space where their thoughts are welcomed, parents can foster a habit of open communication that will benefit them throughout their lives.

5) Problem Solving:

When tweens face challenges, active listening allows parents to fully understand the situation before offering guidance or solutions. This approach empowers children to think critically and problem-solve independently, building confidence and decision-making skills.

Incorporating active listening into your parenting approach requires practice and dedication. It involves being fully present, giving your full attention to your child when they’re speaking, and responding in a way that shows you’ve genuinely understood their perspective. By listening actively, parents can create a positive and supportive parenting environment that empowers tweens to navigate the challenges of modern culture with confidence and resilience.