
silence
If communication is key when you are ‘together’, it’s even more important when you are apart, with children. Please consider the following do’s and don’t’s.
DO’S
- Use what works best for the two of you – talk, text, email – at ay given time.
- If possible, don’t communicate when you are angry with him/her.
- If necessary, use “I” statements, not accusations. For example, “I feel frustrated when you are late and don’t communicate”.
- If necessary, review your note, when ang and imagine yourself receiving it.
- Try to speak when you both know that your children cannot hear you.
- Make a short list, to refer to, and stay focused and fairly brief..
- Be sure to acknowledge positive words or deeds of the other parent.
- Establish a blog about activities with young children.
- With older children, consider a family blog.
- Treat it like business….it is…family business.
- Do admit, if you were wrong, and apologize.
DON’TS
- Don’t extend the communication longer than necessary,
- Don’t need to have the last word or always be right.
- Don’t forget – it’s all about and for the children.
- Don’t blame or ‘bad mouth’