I love Gavin McCormack’s email about children and their passion. McCormack admonishes us to be interested in what our children are passionate about. Listen to learn, not to respond.
Parents must model active listening. McCormack states that, “once engaged in a conversation with your child on any given subject, parents must be mindful that they are making eye contact, responding with non-verbal cues such as nodding and waiting for the child to finish talking before responding, no matter how long it takes.”
These actions will inspire your child to disclose more information about their day, their feelings and their troubles.
I also suggest that all adults, no matter what role you are in, practice these listening skills and you will be surprised by the improvement in your relationships with whomever you are listening to.