A child and an adult engage in a respectful conversation at eye level, seated at a dark gray table with light gray chairs. The environment, accented with elements in bright red, yellow, and blue, underscores the importance of treating children with the same respect and dignity as adults, emphasizing the value of meaningful communication.

What an absolutely fantastic read this is. I’d encourage everyone to read it in its entirety, especially if you’re a parent. The list of things that the author, Molly Brodak, suggests we try out is:

  1. Let people feel their feels.
  2. Check your own emotions.
  3. Talk to children as if they are people.
  4. Don’t give advice. Not really.
  5. Don’t relate.
  6. Ask questions.

I find #5 difficult, have gotten better at #4, and think that #3 is really, super important. I used to hate being talked to ‘differently’ as a child (compared to adults), and have noticed how much kids appreciated being talked to without being patronised.

I’m a child of a therapist. What that means is that I was expertly listened-to most of my life. And then, wow, I met the rest of the world.

It’s a good thing for our survival. It’s what makes this whole civilization thing possible, these linked minds. So why are so many people still so bad at listening?

One reason is this myth: that the good listener just listens. This egregious misunderstanding actually leads to a lot of bad listening, and I’ll tell you why: because a good listener is actually someone who is good at talking.

Source: Tomb Log

Image: DALL-E 3