Communicating With Young Children

by: Dr_Kevin,

Adults often become frustrated when communicating with young children.

Parents and teachers often ask me, "Are we really communicating? Do they understand me? Do I truly understand them?"

Children, especially young children, are still learning to use words. Their communication skills are relatively new. Language may be the last piece added as a child solves the puzzle of communications.

Learning words and sentences are a much harder skill set than mimicry or gesturing.

Parents usually understand their infant's needs from the baby's facial expression, or the tone of his or her cry.

Later, adults see clearer nonverbal communication in children, and encourage them. For example, most young parents learn quickly what the "wee wee" dance looks like, and rush to help the child to the bathroom.

For a young child, it can be easier to use body language or display emotions, than to try to find the right words. For a toddler, language can be an onerous, intellectually consuming thought process.

The problem is compounded if the child is constantly corrected with "constructive" criticism such as, "No, that word is pronounced...," or "Didn't you mean to say...?"

Even as adults, we're sometimes at a loss for the right words. In an emotionally or physically overwhelming situation, words can fail us. For a young child trying to communicate, that can be a daily struggle.

Many young learners have difficulties with the nuances of language. For example, "too" and "two" sound alike but mean different things. Likewise, your tone of voice when saying, "Oh, great," can completely change the intent of the words. Your facial expression - trying to keep a straight face while reprimanding a child -- can increase your communication difficulties with children.

Young children are puzzling out how words are used and what they mean in different settings. However, until they think that they have it right, they may be reluctant to use words.

In recent years, we've seen great inroads in working with childhood communication difficulties. Some communication options for children include a sign language for preverbal children. This builds their communication skills and confidence while they're learning to use words.

Keep these tips in mind when communicating with children of all ages:

1. Always speak in an age appropriate way to a child.

2. Never confuse that with speaking down or condescendingly. Children will know/sense it.

3. Look for all the different ways the child is communicating. This may include changes in habits. He or she may use drawings or doodles to express emotions. Or, you may notice increased sensitivity or withdrawal.

4. If it is safer for them to speak through an imaginary friend or stuff animal, allow them to so. Listen when a child says, "My friend Johnny says...," or "Kitty-cat doesn't like..."

5. Don't try to rush communications, or push a child to talk until he or she is ready to.

6. Before talking with your child, always make sure you are in a loving, receptive mood. Never judge. Use every opportunity to teach your child how to think, not what to think.

It's normal to feel frustrated when communicating with young children. It doesn't mean that either of you have a communication disorder. By understanding the communication challenges that young children face, you can find ways to talk, verbally and nonverbally.

With patience and creativity on both sides, you and your child can overcome most communication difficulties. A counselor or mediator can help, if necessary, but practice, patience and understanding can be effective first steps.

How to help your child with homework?

by: charles123

It is estimated that parents spend an average of six hours a week on helping their children with homework. If you show interest and give support early on, it will encourage your child to develop positive attitudes to learning, in and out of school.

You will benefit, too. You'll get to know your child's particular strengths and difficulties and you will also find out what he's studying. Your child's school will also gain by having motivated pupils and well-informed parents who are fully involved with their children's education.

As your child gets older, of course, he needs to become more independent. Helping your child to get organized, providing equipment and a quiet place to work and offering lots of encouragement will get him off to the right start.

Most schools also issue a homework diary where children write down what they have been set and when it is due. You should check it every week (and sign it if the school asks you to).

How to help

· Make sure you are familiar with any school guidelines on homework.

· Ask the school for copies of any leaflets about supporting children at home.

· Watch out for school newsletters advertising parents' subject sessions. These are really useful for learning about modern teaching methods.

· Nominate somewhere at home as a homework area. It needs a flat surface, a good light source and resources such as pens, pencils, rulers, scissors, glue, dictionary and notebook to hand.

· Set up a daily routine. Plan a homework timetable so you both know what your child needs to do and when. If your child is at secondary school he will probably be told which subject teacher will set homework on each day.

· It’s a good idea if your child has a break and something to eat before starting on homework.

· Ask your child to explain the homework task and how it follows on from what he was studying at school.

· Be interested and be on hand to talk to your child about what he has learnt so far.

· Help your child to become an independent learner. Explain how to look up information or find a word in a dictionary rather than simply giving an answer in order to get the task finished.

· Don’t be tempted to teach your child methods you used at school.

· Turn off the television while homework is underway but do let your child listen to music if he finds it helpful.

· Use home/school books to note how your child tackles the task, what is done well and where he has difficulties. (Remember, your child is probably one of 30 so keep your comments brief!) Read carefully any comments that your child's teacher makes in return.

· Discourage your child from copying when he's asked to do research tasks. Talk about the information together, work out the key facts and help your child to write these down as brief notes.

· Be positive about your child's attempts. If you have concerns about his progress, make an appointment with the school.

· Don’t let homework become a chore. Make it a special time that you both look forward to.

A word of warning: Schools are extremely keen that parents become fully involved in their children's education but please don't be tempted to correct homework and make your child copy it out. Schools need to know how much your child understands and can do independently.

Homework clubs

If you feel your child needs more help than you are able to give, do contact the school. Many schools offer an after-school homework club staffed by teachers or learning support assistants.

Character References: Let Other People Sell You

by Nayan Choure,

Your resume should aim to impress all potential employers. They do not always trust your word for all those positive attributes you listed. They look for someone to back up your listed credentials. And they will look this up in your list of character reference in your resume.A resume can be either chronological or functional in nature. You list all your accomplishments, both educational and professional as well as their corresponding dates in a chronological resume. They are cited from the most current to the previous ones. On the other hand, functional resume presents all your skills and abilities. For both chronological and functional resumes, employers can assume that applicants can always give references if it was requested from them.Therefore, all applicants should prepare a list of people who can verify their character. These people are important persons whom you have dealt with either on a personal or on a professional level in the past. The resume intended for scholarship application needs to have previous professors, deans, advisers or classmates as references. They are the key persons whom sponsors can ask whether you qualify for the slot or not. They can gauge your maturity, social responsiveness, attitude and academic readiness for such higher education. A resume intended for a job application needs to have previous employers, immediate supervisors or colleagues as references. They are the best people that can attest to your abilities, skills, professionalism and attitude towards work. They will help potential employers decide if you are the best person they are looking for. Here are some tips in preparing for a character reference:Make a list and check it twiceMake a list of personal or professional contacts that you might have for the last 5 to 10 years. This assures you that they remember you quite well and will surely have the capacity to give anecdotes about you. They must know you well enough to write positive things about you. If possible, find someone who knows you not only on a personal but also on a professional level. Trim your list to people who would be willing to make the extra mile of making written recommendations and will not mind if you ask for minor changes if a part of the letter does not paint you well.Give them the Heads UpOnce you have all your possible references, call them up and ask permission if you could list them down in your resume. If they decline, gracefully thank them for their time. If you have their approval, be sure to get the best contact number they prefer to be called at. Do not forget to tell them what position you have applied for so they will have an idea as to what questions employers would typically ask them when these employers call. Refresh them with small details as to how long you two have worked together; which department are you in and events where you both worked successfully. It is also acceptable to offer the person a list of your achievements for her reference.References need to be updatedBe sure to update references every once in while. It is good to know if your contact holds the same office or has been promoted. It is also a good practice to get in touch with friends and bosses. This will broaden your contacts and referrals. Placing a professional title on the reference adds credibility to the person. Write all possible approved contact information and your relation to the person. Make sure that the font and the size used is readable and clear.