Effective Communication (Involves Both Listening and Talking) Purposeful conversation- talking with each other in order to understand what the other means. Reflective listening responses which indicate you understand the child's feelings. I-messages...blame-free messages about your positive feelings and about things that bother you. A nonjudmental attitude which respects the child. Appropriate timing. Restricting talk to friendly exchanges as much as possible. Avoiding pressure, sarcasm, and ridicule. Avoiding labeling. Showing your faith and confidence in your child. Back to Workshops & Seminars Back to Family Support Network ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Susan Lieberman is in private practice in North York as a family therapist and public speaker. For more information, Call: (416) 512-6356. or Email: susanl@familysupport.net