Continued...

As you try to continue the conversation with your kids remember to ask questions, show interest in what interests them, and to be patient and give them time. “Quiet kids seem to need a longer period of ‘warming up’.” says Hunter. “Give the child the message that this is okay.” Letting your child know you are available when they are ready to talk will help foster communication over time.

Sidebar:

Qualities of a Safe Person

• People who are loving and have a good reputation for being loving over time.
• People you can watch and observe from an emotional distance and are gentle with you during the trust earning phase.
• People who are willing to earn trust, rather than demand it.
• People who can accept imperfections in others.
• People who have grace for imperfections.
• People who have endured pain themselves, but are recovering or have recovered. They are empathetic to your pain.
• People who can speak the truth to you lovingly.
• People who bear good fruit in your life. (If you find you are becoming healthier and are encouraged to grow when you are around them.)
• People who are honest and can confront gently, with compassion.
• People who views relationships equally.

Safe People by Henry Cloud and John Townsend