Step 3: Listen
Listening is something you've been doing all your life. However, few people listen well. Life is busy, dozens of things need attention, and it can be hard to quiet the mind. Take this short Listening Quiz.
Few skills are as important as good listening when it comes to getting the help your child needs at school. The keys to good listening are:
- Show you're listening. See what your Body Language reveals.
- Communicate respectfully. Keep a neutral tone of voice and allow the other person to speak without interrupting. Tips for communicating with Respect.
- Check your understanding by confirming what you've heard. Restate what the other person says. Start by saying something like, "It sounds like what you’re saying is…" and then summarize what you heard. Check Your Understanding.
When a topic is as important as your child, you need a clear understanding of the conversation. Parent's Experience.
Parent's Experience
Watch how Alex's Mom does all these things.