4 No Fuss Ways On Figuring Out Your Kids

[GUEST POST BY ERICA JOHNSON FROM innerparents.com]

About ERICA JOHNSON: Erica is the Main Editor for Inner Parents and a very proud mother of two who’s passionate about the latest parenting tips..

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Sometimes parents and children find it difficult to communicate with each other. They think they know and understand each other, but often there are amazing aspects to family members that we as parents are unaware of. To truly understand your children, consider the following tips and suggestions from innerparents:
1. Put Yourself in Their Shoes

Sometimes it is very beneficial to think like a child. Remember how you felt as a youngster and what your perception was of your parents. Think about how they made you feel by the tone of their voices and the expressions on their faces. Watch your body language and the inflections used when speaking to your youngsters – you may get very different results if you don’t appear stern and unapproachable. Recall some of the best interactions, activities, and conversations you had with your own parents when you were young and attempt to emulate them.

2. Converse with Their Friends

Hold conversations with the friends of your children. Don’t grill them for information or ask them to reveal secrets of your own offspring. Just take the time to ask them about their day and how they are doing. Engage them in conversations by asking about their own extracurricular activities and sports they are involved in. By getting to know their friends, you will learn more about what your own children are like.

3. Confer with Teachers

Often teachers will see a totally different side to your offspring than you do. Many times a parent will be shocked and surprised at some of the skills and talents that their offspring exhibit in different environments. When an instructor exclaims over the level of math perception that your student has, you may be very surprised. An art teacher who raves over your child’s artistic abilities may be exposed to different levels of your son’s or daughter’s creative talents than you are. A strong-will child may be more compliant and accommodating in the classroom than he is at home. Sometimes it takes taking a step back and listening to another person’s positive opinions of your children to realize just how special they are.

4. Listen and Observe

Sometimes we get so caught up in our daily lives that we fail to really listen to what our children are trying to tell us. Make a point to listen to their day-to-day conversations. When they need a moment of your time, don’t put them off or listen half-heartedly. Put down the tasks you are engaging in and give them your full and complete attention. Observe them at play as they interact with others. Watch their actions and movements while they engage in sports activities. You will discover so much about your children’s feelings, preferences, and personalities.

You want to be in touch with your children, their personalities, and their interests. Utilizing these suggestions will have you and your spouse well on your way to truly knowing and understanding your youngsters and what makes them tick. Doors will be opened to deep relationships that will last for your lifetime.