As a child ages, many parents are faced with the dilemma of a one chatty youngster that has turned into a moody, withdrawn preteen or teenager. Getting a child to talk about anything, from his day at school to a boy she likes is sometimes akin to climbing Mount Everest with oxygen. It may take some time and a few plates of cookies, but eventually your child will open up again and let you into his life.
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Crayons
- Colored Pencils
- Paper
- 1Turn off the television and put the video games away. Capture your child's full attention before attempting to ask any questions or start any type of conversation.
- 2Speak to your child while you are in the car on the way to school or soccer practice. You will have the child's full attention, and he will not have the opportunity to become upset and run to his room once you begin asking questions.
- 3Pull out a box of crayons or colored pencils and paper. Ask the child to draw out his emotions on paper if he has trouble expressing himself. Join in on the art project and slowly begin to ask your child any questions on your mind. Your child will be more receptive to these questions and will offer up more information if he has another activity to concentrate on and is not being placed on the spot.
- 4Share a fun activity with your child. Take your child to the arcade or play a game of soccer. After this bonding experience on her level, begin to start a dialog about the activity, which will lead to a more serious conversation.
- 5Speak to your child right before bedtime. Help your child get into his pajamas, tuck your child into bed, read him a story and have a short conversation about his day. This will allow your child the chance to stay up a few minutes longer, and gives you the opportunity to get a little information.
- 6Repeat back to your child what she has just said to you. This will let your child know that you are really listening, which will help keep the conversation going.
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