We all hope for the kind of relationship with our children where they feel they can talk to us about anything. We hope they’ll run to us with their hopes, fears, problems, and dreams. However, getting them to open up isn’t always easy.

Here are 7 powerful ways to ensure the communication lines will stay open

Listen to the chatter of your toddler or preschooler

Why? You’re making deposits and building rapport. Kids will only talk to you if they feel like you’ll listen, especially when they get older. Focused attention, eye contact, and thoughtful responses now mean a child who feels she can open up to you later. 

Engage in side-by-side conversations

Often we want to sit our kids down face-to-face and have a deep, meaningful conversation, but many children are more likely to open up when you’re either busy doing something together, such as playing ball or watching a show, or if you’re not making direct eye contact, such as when you are in a car. Sometimes a face-to-face chat is great, but other times it can cause a child to clam up, especially if the tone or body language is off. If you want your child to communicate more, create opportunities for conversation while you are side by side and engaged in something.

Hold your tongue – at first

Parents can be quick to dish out advice or even criticism, but be careful with your words. If children feel that you’re going to be judgmental, they may look for a peer to confide in instead. Of course, children need our guidance even when they aren’t asking for it and don’t want it, but it’s best to be a great listener first. You’ll be able to feel if your child is currently open to hearing your hard-earned wisdom or if they may need a little time. When you do give advice, try not to lecture. Keep it short, and end with showing faith in your child to do what’s right.

Make your relationship number one

A strong parent-child relationship is the single most important predictor of good communication. Spend time connecting with your child each day. Play, cuddle, listen, read, dance, and just enjoy one another. I think we can sometimes take our role so seriously as the “behavior patrol” that we forget to enjoy our kids, and that comes at a great cost to our relationship. A good relationship is also what allows our wisdom to reach a child’s heart. If your child isn’t feeling connected and accepted, your lessons won’t stick.

Don’t trivialize

Sometimes kids have big feelings over seemingly little things, and it can be easy to brush those off as nonsense, but again it’s about making relationship deposits. Put yourself in those little shoes and try to see from his perspective. When kids know we can handle their big feelings, they’ll come to us with them. On the other hand, if their big feelings cause us to have big feelings or make them feel ashamed or on guard for having them, they’ll stuff them down or take them elsewhere.

Provide the right environment

Questions like “how was school” or “who did you play with at recess” are likely to draw one word answers. It can be so frustrating and alarming to feel like you’re being shut out! But rather than trying to drag it out of them, just provide the right environment for safe conversation. The right environment is one of connection, warmth, and unconditional positive regard. If kids fear they’ll lose our attention or affection if they share difficult truths with us, then we lose.

Be available

I often hear about how teens and tweens open up best in the quiet still of the night. I know by the end of the day, we are so done, but being available those few extra minutes just might mean the world to your kid, and to your relationship.