Why Open and Honest Conversations Are Essential for Your Child’s Growth

Author: Christina Drury

Edited by: Hailey Rose McLaughlin

When I was growing up, the mindset surrounding children was that they should be seen and not heard. Well, times have changed, and so should our parenting styles.

Nowadays, communication with your children is essential. So many situations call for transparency, and children can face all types of issues, whether at school or with their friends. Being able to talk to them and allowing them to talk to you in return can help keep them safe and prevent them from falling victim to societal pressures — and worse.

Plus, there’s something to be said for the type of relationship between a parent and child where they know they can rely on you, no matter what.

It Develops Trust

One of my biggest beliefs is that if you keep the lines of communication open, it will lead to healthy trust between you and your children. This is especially true as they age and start to engage in typical teenage behavior. Having a parent they can talk to in difficult times is extremely beneficial.

But, it starts young. You need to listen to the little things, the constant questions, and the incessant babbling that begins in their toddler years. Because if they don’t think they can come to you with the small things, they definitely won’t come to you with the bigger issues.

It Encourages Expression

Self-expression is such a powerful tool, and often, we don’t realize its significance. When we hold everything inside, it can lead to stress and anxiety. The same goes for children. They need an outlet, and who better than their own parents?

Learning to express themselves at a young age will lead to better self-expression in their teens and adult years.

It Gives Them a Voice

Every child should have a voice and should be heard. By opening up the lines of communication in your home, you’re giving them that space to talk about whatever they feel they need to.

When my little one gets off the bus, we chat about her day at school. When my teen makes a random appearance in the living room, I catch up with what’s going on in her life and with her friends. Staying in tune is so critical these days, and being open in your communication is a great way to do it.

It Strengthens Relationships

Relationships are developed through communication. If you look at thriving marriages and partnerships, they usually have this in common. It’s the same thing with your children.

The more you keep those lines open, the stronger the relationship you’ll develop. And the stronger the relationship you have with your children, the more they will come to rely on you no matter how things are in their lives.

It Teaches Them To Communicate in Future Relationships

That will then pay off in the future when your children can communicate with their friends and partners. They’ll also have a picture of what’s healthy and what to expect, especially if you exemplify this in your day-to-day life and not just with them.

Remember, you are your child’s first teacher, which applies to so much more than teaching them the ABCs and 123s.

Establishing those open lines of communication should be done when your children are young, but know that it’s never too late. If you find there are barriers, take it slow. Start by engaging in small talk, then work your way up.

I even talk to my children about what’s going on in my life, what I do when they’re not around, and even what’s happening in the world. I want them to know they can come to me with anything, whether I want to hear it or not because that’s how I know I’ve successfully relayed to them that they matter.

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This post was previously published on Wealth of Geeks and is republished on Medium.

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