Just Tell Me What to Say
Sensible Tips and Scripts for Perplexed Parents
Chapter One
Small Talk Is Big Talk: Communicating with Your Children
Remember the television cartoon specials based on Charles Schulz's Peanuts? The parents, offscreen, were represented by the sound "Waaaaaaohh, waaaohh, waaaohhh." You couldn't see them, but you knew they were making that droning noise. Everyone remembers that because it struck a chord. It was a powerful representation of one kind of parent-child communication.
In reality, there are probably times when that "waaaohh" is exactly how your child is hearing you too. "It's time for dinner," you say. "Waaaoh waaaooh," she hears, and does nothing. "Let's clean up your toys," you suggest. "Waaaooh," she hears, and doesn't move.
This day-to-day communication helps to mold the adults your children will become. In order for communication to be more than "waaaoooh," to make a difference, it needs to be purposeful and deliberate. As the parent, you are the mirror reflecting to your child who ... read full excerpt from: Just Tell Me What to Say ebook
