5 Tricks to Succeed in Communication as a Homeschool Parent

If you use social media as a homeschool parent, you have likely witnessed how communication standards have vanished, and people are utterly cruel. People become aggressive while driving, using harsh hand signals, or become pushy in grocery stores. This creates a weariness in our world. The last place we need to experience harsh or hurtful communication should be in the home. Therefore, as homeschool parents, you can begin now by modeling effective communication at home to your young learners. 

To effectively communicate, here are five tips: 

• Use other communication.
• Communicate by using “You” instead of “I.” 
• Communicate with honesty and clear direction. 
• Moderate/modify your tone. 
• Show interest in the other person through your communication.

Introduction and Explanation

Communication is a hard skill to learn, especially if you haven’t learned from a good source. Maybe you watched your parent communicate with harsh words or self-focused language. On the other hand, you may have witnessed a parent who loved others with their words and connected with others through language. Whatever the case, we can always improve on communication. 

I highly recommend Unwrapping the Gift of Communication by Kevin Jones. This book follows a Christian perspective on communication, and it changed my life. I gave it to my dad after reading it, and it’s most certainly helped our communicative environment at home.

Subsequently, I graduated with my Bachelor's in Communication. The main thing that I’ve learned about communication is that we can always learn and improve. We will never fully become effective communicators because we live in a fallen world. However, we can try to improve our communication skills, especially for our children. 

Do’s and Don’ts of Communication

#1: Use other communication. This is a concept that I learned in college. In other communication, you simply focus on the other person. You try to understand their perspective (even if you disagree) and speak with care for that person. Also, remove the focus from yourself and focus on them. 

Don’t say: “I’m so tired of your meltdowns. Just knock it off!”

Do say: “Why do you feel upset? Do you not feel well?” 

#2: Next, use “You” instead of “I.” Again, focus on the other person. 

Don’t say: “I feel happy when we’re together.” 

Do say: “You are a wonderful person and make other people feel happy.” 

Please note that in some cases, you should use “I.” When you’re angry, do not attack the person by saying, “You don’t care about me.” Instead, say, “I feel underappreciated.” 

#3: Communicate honestly and directly, especially with your children. Give them clear instructions. Tell them honestly when they do something good or bad.  

Don’t say: “I wish you would help me more.”

Do say: “I need you to help me unload the dishwasher.” 

#4: Modify your tone. This is especially important for parents. Instead of lashing out and smarting off, take a moment to breathe. Take a break from your children if necessary. 

Don’t say: “Why would you do that?” 

Do say: “Help me understand why you chose that action.” Remember to soften your tone. 

#5: Express interest. Children love to discuss their dreams and passions. Let them talk and express themselves. Ask them questions about their favorite homeschool trips or assignments. Ask them about their school books.

Don’t say: “We can talk later.”

Do say: “What do you like about your school book?” 

Conclusion

Start an effective, loving communication space at home. Now, I do think there are times for discipline and strong communication. Please implement these tips and tricks as needed, but they aren’t set requirements. Like I said before, we can never fully attain effective communication, but we can experiment and try. Try your best and offer grace to yourself and your family. If you communicate effectively at home, this will help shape your children into effective communicators. In essence, communication isn’t about us. It’s about others, and other communication can start right within your family unit. 

To Learn More about Communication, Click the Link!

- NxtEra

Written by Bethany (@thebookwormgirl_bethany)