1. Communication Skills

2. Some of the Concepts You will Learn Today: 1.Communication Defined! 2.When do you start teaching/modeling communication skills? 3.Goals of Communication 4.What is “Active Listening?” 5.How does body language affect our conversations? 6.Techniques to get “kids” to listen and talk. 7.“Rewording” what and how we talk with our children to encourage “self-esteem”

3. What is CommUNIcation? Is a process that allows people to exchange information by several methods.

4. When does communication begin?  Before birth  At birth  For the rest of your life

5. Ways to Communicate  Speaking  Listening  Body Language  Sign Language  Touch  Eye Contact  Writing

6. SPEAKING  Show Respect  Gentle Reminders  “I” messages rather than “you” messages  Reflect on child’s feelings  Offer choices  Explain the rationale behind the rule  Redirect  Explain what you want to do in a logical sequence

7. Things to Avoid  Saying “NO”  Yelling  Placing guilt  Forcing apologies  “Time-Out”

8. Active Listening  Gag Yourself  Find interest in the other person  Use open ended questions  Don’t give advice unless asked  Listen to what people mean between the lines.  Assume the proper stance. Allow for personal space (24-30in)  Make Eye Contact