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Effective and Reciprocal Communication
Welcome to the wellbeing section for the week!
My name is Shannon Wakefield and I am the appointed Educational Psychologist at Lighthouse. I am a UK-born South African who has recently moved to Mauritius with my husband, our little boy and our two fur babies. I am trained in psychological assessment/psychometrics, diagnosis and various forms of intervention, and I am passionate about working with young people holistically and systemically (partnering with both school and family systems). I operate from a person-centred approach and have a special interest in trauma work and resilience to promote holistic wellbeing. As we embark on this new journey, I look forward to working together in this setting and finding how I can best support you and your children.
When it comes to being parents, it can be challenging to navigate new roles and nuanced relationships due to children's' changing needs as they grow up. It's not always easy but, as parents, we play a pivotal role in shaping the lives of our children. To do that, one of the most powerful tools we have access to is effective and reciprocal communication. Communication creates the basis for trust, mutual caring and understanding as well as emotional wellbeing. In order for children to feel safe, seen, accepted and loved just as they are, it is important to learn how to communicate this to them in meaningful ways.
When it comes to communication, think quality not quantity. Are there any blocks of time in your week where your can give your child/children your undivided attention to communicate? Maybe it's a device-free dinner a few times a week? Maybe driving to/from school is the best option. Whatever it looks like for you as a family, I would encourage you to take time to chat with your children, sharing your thoughts and hearing theirs.
Some prompts to help you get communicating a bit more reciprocally and effectively (note: everyone involved in the conversation should be given the space to talk).
During a device-free dinner, each person shares a peak and pit from the week (the best and worst things they faced that week/day).
When did you feel most loved by me?
What do you wish we could do more of together?
What made you smile today?
What do you wish I knew about you?
If you could be a superhero, what superpowers would you have and why?
What is one thing I could change to help make you feel more loved/ supported?
What 3 words would you use to describe yourself (no wrong answers)?
What is your favourite memory of us?
What would your ideal day look like?
If you would like to find out more about effective and reciprocal communication, a colleague of mine is hosting a free talk on the topic.
When attending this talk, you will learn:
-What effective communication is.
-What reciprocal communication is.
-How to reframe your understanding of communication with your child.
-How the above can enhance and deepen your relationship with your child.
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