Communication is the building block of society and of every relationship. We’ve previously talked about how to practice positive communication with your child. In this article, we will talk about the impact this has on your little one’s development. Ever since they were born, your child has been watching your cues and imitating your behavior to be more like you. Being intentional and present when you communicate is fundamental to building their confidence, resilience, and grit.

Positive communication comes from feeling heard and understood. At this stage, your little one’s brain is absorbing everything around them, making stronger connections every day. When you attune and resonate with the feelings behind your child´s requests, you are able to hear what they want and understand why they want that. This not only helps you understand your child better, but it also validates their feelings, making them feel that they can communicate with those around them.

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Research shows how communication has an impact on every aspect of our lives. Findings of a study published by The International Journal of Business Communication suggest that the most desirable quality in a new hire is effective communication skills. Unfortunately, it is also the number one incompetency on the list. Other research found that communicative behaviors such as supporting, disclosing, negotiating, and communicating positively are crucial in creating a healthy and happy family. Using other alternatives to the word “no” allows you to create a peaceful environment in which your little one can learn, in a loving way, that they can’t always get what they want. It also encourages your child to communicate their thoughts and feelings in the future, strengthening the bond between you.

How much does positive communication influence your child’s development?

• It allows them to view learning as a process. Positive words of encouragement and focusing on the effort, rather than praising the goal, fosters your child’s confidence and problem-solving skills.
• It models how to validate others’ feelings and opinions.
• It helps your child understand how to express their opinion without bringing down someone else’s, an essential skill they’ll need throughout their life when negotiating with others.
• Models how to be mindful when listening and communicating with the people around them.
• It helps your child tune in and understand body language and non-verbal messages.
• It emphasizes the importance of honesty and helps your little one name their feelings.
• It models how to solve conflicts and not focus on winning the argument. Offering an in-tune and positive solution to your child will help them understand that, even though people have different opinions, it’s important that people feel understood and heard.
• It fosters their reasoning skills and understanding of how to work well with others.
• It models mutual respect, trust, and connection; skills that will help your little one build healthy relationships in the future.
• It models how to be responsive and not reactive. It shows them how to be respectful, calm, and positive when exchanging points of view.

For more information on this subject check out:

• Siegel, D. J., & Bryson, T. P. (2018). The YES brain: How to cultivate courage, curiosity, and resilience in your child. New York: Bantam.
• Say yes to fewer “no’s”
• Communicating well with children: tips
• A Managerial Perspective: Oral Communication Competency Is Most Important for Business Students in the Workplace Jeanne D. Maes