Parenting:
By mid-autumn adjustment to school has been accomplished and the year’s work has begun in earnest. Communication is the most important element in the relationship between parents, children and teachers. And the most important part of communication is listening—not listening for information, but listening with the heart for feeling, without judgment, with no right or wrong answers.
Assume good will and competence on the part of the teacher. Most teachers are concerned about their students and want them to do their best. Be proactive; make an appointment with your child’s teacher to discuss strengths and weaknesses, as well as expectations for the upcoming year. This way you have a relationship established should problems arise later and a relationship that begins on a positive note.
With children it is also most important to listen. How often I hear children say, “I wish my parents would listen to me.” As parents we most frequently listen with one ear as we are busy with something else. Make eye contact and listen with your heart to the message behind the words. If you can spend ten minutes a day consistently, one on one, with your child, you will bless the child beyond all knowing.
(http://thelifeofease.com/education/articles.htm )
“There are no right answers, no wrong answers and no judgments in listening. Listening generously can enable people to recognize the power that is growing in them and begin to heal themselves.”
Rachel Naomi Remen (www.rachelremen.com )
