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our full attention tells a child, without words, that their thoughts matter. When you listen without rushing, correcting, or checking your phone, you’re not just gathering information—you’re building trust. Over time, this attention becomes a habit they lean on, giving them the confidence to think more deeply and speak more clearly.

One morning, my son sat unusually quiet at breakfast. I didn’t press him. I just said, “Rough start?” He shrugged—then, slowly, the story came. I listened without jumping in. By the end, he had found his own words, his own sense of what mattered. That moment wasn’t about solving a problem—it was about helping him hear himself think.

Make space for unhurried conversation—over breakfast, at bedtime, or on a quiet walk. These small, consistent moments teach your child that they don’t have to compete to be heard. The more you listen without interruption, the more they’ll speak with ease—at home, in class, and beyond.

TIPS

• Maintain eye contact to show you’re fully present.
• Reflect their words, like “You felt upset when…” to validate.
• Avoid rushing to solutions; let them share fully.

ACTIVITIES

• Feeling Talk: At bedtime, ask, “What did you feel today?” Discuss for 10 minutes to build trust.
• Moment Talk: At breakfast, ask, “What happened yesterday that stood out?” Discuss for 15 minutes to encourage openness.