Open Communication

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Open communication

Communication does not just occur with words. We also communicate nonverbally with body language (facial expressions, posture, gestures). Moreover, voice emphasis also influences how people understand our message.

Furthermore, the 4 different aspects of a message (information, relationship, appeal and self-revelation) must be considered when trying to communicate successfully.

Conclusion: it is hardly easy to transmit a message in the way the sender wants to be understood, and it is even more difficult for the receiver to decode its intended meaning.

Thus, it is important to “open up” our communication. Open communication allows us to render the implicit aspects of a message more explicit, and it ensures that we are not going to misunderstand each other. At times, even the senders may not know the true intention of a communicated message or behavior. For instance, babies and toddlers who are unable to cope with their own feelings, inner conditions and needs often lack the ability to communicate them clearly. Therefore, it behoves the parents or other adults to find out for themselves (Examples: Is the child ill or hungry? Is anything causing him/her pain or is he/she just tired?). The situation with the 10-year old boy would seem to suggest that he cannot express freely his emotional state. Thus, it is your parental challenge to try to understand your children. Your efforts with open communication may help to clarify the hidden feelings of your son.

How can we “open up” our communication?

First: Show your children what you have understood or gleaned from their message. Refrain from interpreting their articulations and acting. Just provide feedback based on what you have heard or seen.

Second: You also need to openly communicate your own feelings, thoughts, wishes and needs. Careful, do not express them in an implicit way.

Third: Allow sufficient time for dialogs and communication in general. Thus, you demonstrate to your child “You are important to me. I am interested in you, your thoughts, emotions, and your life.” This fosters a deep feeling of being accepted and supports the self-confidence of your child.

For practice opportunities with open communication, go on reading here!