Listen More, Talk Less

By Julie Prescott

“Listen More, Talk Less” is an easy to read ebook that can benefit anyone involved in the life of a child. The pages overflow with tips to help improve communication with your child. Advice includes how to read your child’s body language and understand yours. Hints of the real gender differences that exist between raising a girl and boy. Steps to negotiate and handle conflict before it gets out of hand. Suggestions for good role models for your child to emulate. How family meetings can help you set goals and discuss family problems. One of the 16 books in the series, “Single Parent Wisdom: If only I knew then, what I know now.” Real life wisdom gathered from over 50 men and women about the years they were single parents when their children were young.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Julie Prescott
• Release date: Feb 23, 2011
• ISBN: 9780982513996

Julie Prescott

Julie has been writing her thoughts and fancies since she was a teen. "It is a marvelous way to empty your brain, for the moment," Prescott relays.When she became a single parent at the age of 27, Prescott knew there had to be help available, besides Dr. Spock's book. She didn't start writing the Single Parent Wisdom series until her three children and two step children were adults. She found looking back was the way to help others. She could see what worked and what didn't. What she worried and fretted about when they were young that didn't need so much attention. Prescott asked others to help answer questions she had when the children were young, but now the children were grown. Over 100 former single parents with young children who were now adults, answered her questions and the series: Single Parent Wisdom: If only I knew then what I know now...

Book preview

Listen More, Talk Less

To improve communication with your child

by Julie Prescott

Smashwords Edition

Wynot Publications, Corning, Iowa

Copyright 2011 Wynot Publications

E-Books by Julie Prescott: 25 Ways to Encourage Good Behavior;

Get in Control! Feel Emotions, Choose Behavior; Strong Family, Strong Child; Be a Role Model, Share your Values; Parents! Take Care of Yourself; and others. Download our FREE ebook of questions and concerns you should be aware of with child care: Child Care Tips: Know Who is Watching your Child.

Check back, often at my author’s page, http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/singleparentwisdom.for new books.

This book is available in print at most online retailers.

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Listen More, Talk Less

Boys, Girls -- What a Difference!

Set Family Goals Together

****

Appendix: Our Family Notebook

Bibliography and Resources

Introduction

Communication -- the key to understanding others and being understood. Do you choose to listen first or talk first? The wise person keeps quiet while paying attention to all of the details of the conversation. Notice

* body language,

* tone of voice,

* actual words spoken,

* emotion behind the words, and

* words left out.

A parent is wise to let the child speak first, without interruption to better understand the child.

I was a single parent for 11 years. My three children and two step children are now adults. Still puzzled about questions I had while parenting, I seek the answers to help young parents today. Interviewing parents like me -- single parents when their children were young, but now their children are grown -- we find the answers. Who better to tell us what works and what does not than solo parents who have made all of the decisions and handled all of the responsibility. From our experiences we have learned when to listen to the experts and when to realize we actually do know best. We know when to let the matter slide and when to seek help. We are wiser. We are your SPWisdom support group.

These key points surfaced from the interviews and questionnaires answered by our solo parents:

Be Consistent

Be consistent about the BIG problems. Teach the values that are important to you. Consistency provides stability and structure that your children need. Have faith in your judgment.

When you are in doubt, there are books for many problem areas, workshops to attend, and people to talk with about parenting choices.

-- You will naturally be inconsistent about the little stuff, depending on how much energy you have that day.

Be Patient and Loving

Your child needs to know that you love her now and forever, unconditionally. Everyday, tell and show your child that she is important in your life.

Now! Time is Short

-- Choose your battles. Not all fights are worth the outcome.

-- Be proactive. Take charge of your life. Take the steps to control what happens to your family.

-- Do your best.

-- Your child will be an adult before you know it.

Be Age-Appropriate with your Child

Expecting a child to handle challenges beyond her ability may frustrate, scare, upset, confuse, or harm her. As the parent or guardian, you need to be aware of what the child can handle at her current physical, social, emotional, and intellectual level.

The comments in this book are not designated for a certain age. You will need to decide when a suggestion or tip is age-appropriate to apply to your child. Some advice is meant for preschoolers but not for teens, and vice versa.

For a better understanding of what to expect at what age, the Single Parent Wisdom website includes a page on child development at singleparentwisdom.com/.

Reduce the Chaos

Don’t accept chaos as a natural part of your life. Change something. Aim for a calm household. Have structure in your days. Life gets better with less chaos.

Be