Before you can communicate with children, you need to get their attention and hold it.

One way to do that is to start being aware of body language and figure out whether or not children are “tuned in” to what you are saying. Children will give signals that they are bored and not interested. You need to watch their response and respond accordingly.

Sometimes, adults tend to think that their job is to GIVE INFORMATION, so you may find yourself sending messages, and sending messages, and sending messages—but not necessarily hearing or seeing a response! Try to think of it as newspapers or mail piling up on the doorstep when no one is home.

Some General Guidelines

• Read their body language.
• Reduce the distractions for the child
• Develop a strategy for having more difficult discussions. For example, select a time, a location, or an activity that says "we're focused" or "we can discuss big stuff."
• Remember, as the parent, it is your job to be aware of whether newspapers are piling up on your child's doorstep!

The following website links give great illustrations on how to be vigilant and remain persistent when trying to get your messages across:
www.mediacampaign.org/mg/multimedia/slam.mov
www.talkingwithkids.org