There is a great gift for Dads (and all the family) on my website -- Great Conversation Starters…
Powerful conversations start with questions that are positive, and encourage a response beyond a ‘one word’ answer. Knowing how to ask a question is important so you can open the door to dialogue and conversation.
When you ask your child a good question for a conversation starter—you should practice your good listening skills to ensure your child learns to value sharing their thoughts and feelings with you. Good listening is an important resiliency skill to model. You have to practice…not just preach.
My free gift (http://www.finetunedfamilies.com/father-s-day-gift) gives you the conversations starters directions and examples around:
•Asking an open-ended question (to dream, problem solve, or to forecast).
•Asking a specific conversation question (to connect, to get information, or to plan).
Here are two simple guidelines on how to use great conversations starters:
Guideline #1 You have two ears and one mouth.
This is the perfect ratio to help you remember to listen twice as much as you talk.
Ask the question, then be quiet. Sit so you can lean in and share your interest in hearing the answer.
A. Make sure your phone is off/ put away or in another room. Obvious…and yet time and time again, I remind folks to practice electronic free conversations…the old fashioned way - face-to-face.
B. Mind your ABC’s of good listening:
Attend with genuine attention
Be responsive to what is said
Care about the other person
Don’t interrupt
Encourage the person to say more ….
Guideline #2 Active Constructive Response builds, strengthens, & maintains important relationships.
A. Ask follow up questions that show enthusiasm and the desire to hear more
details.
B. Choose constructive responses over destructive response.
This handy chart explains what active listening is and is not:
Constructive | Destructive | |
Active | Show authentic interest & support | Bring up negative points, or correct their version of the sharing |
Passive | Distracted or understated support | ‘One upping' distracts from the sharing |
Check out my free gift now at
Happy Father’s Day…may all your conversations with your kids be great today!
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