Importance of Communication and Active Listening in Parenting

We've all been there you're desperate to make it through the day,

your kid is speaking, and you find yourself nodding along without actually hearing them.

We've all been there. 

But the thing is:

when you pause and really listen, something changes. 

Your kid feels heard. They speak more freely. The connection between you becomes more powerful.

It's not about being a "perfect parent."

It's about picking up a few easy habits such as slowing down, asking curious questions that demonstrate you care, and responding with compassion.

These little shifts can make a huge difference in how your child hears you, too.

Picture this.

Your child comes running to you after school, eyes sparkling:

“Mom, guess what happened today!”

But you’re mid-scroll on WhatsApp. You smile vaguely and say, “That’s nice, beta.”

Their smile fades. In seconds, the story that felt so big to them suddenly feels small.

This is the silent danger of distracted parenting. Kids notice when they’re not really heard. And over time, they stop sharing.

Parenting comprises infinitely more than providing guidance or information.

Rather, it seeks to create an emotional safe space in which children experience themselves as valued, seen, and understood.

This is where active listening is revolutionary.

When I did it for the first time with my niece, I realized something powerful:

that instead of interrupting her with corrections and suggestions in the middle of her sentences…

I let her wait for what felt like, perhaps, a ridiculously long time and just listened and she began sharing thoughts and feelings in a way I had never even imagined before with her. 

This example illustrates the sheer importance of communication in parenting.

Think of communication as the glue of parenting.

All of the rules of parenting like rules, discipline, routines - all depend a lot on how well you and your child attune to one another.

Key Takeaway

Active listening is more than hearing words listening is comprehension of the emotion underlying them.

It's empathy in action. When your child knows they're heard, they begin to listen better themselves.

Listening well builds trust and empathy and tends to resolve conflicts quicker.

Creating small habits can change communication styles drastically: 

setting aside your phone, reflecting back, and consistently asking open-ended questions are some that can really help as you practice engaging with little ones.

Teaching kids to listen early on helps them academically, friendship-wise, and in growing emotional intelligence 

Parents can integrate listening as a fun and natural part of family life using journals, games, or simply conversation tools..

Importance of communication in parenting

Every child has a few basic needs that parents or caregivers need to provide for them. There are physiological needs such as air, food, water, shelter; the need to feel safe from physical harm and finally the need to be loved, accepted and belong. When these needs are met for a child, he grows up into a happy, independent and content adult. 

Importance of communication skills in parenting is not discussed enough. Communication plays a big role in making kids feel loved and accepted and active listening for parents is a key element in effective communication. It is a technique that helps parents and kids understand each other better by giving the other their undivided attention and by genuinely empathising with the others’ emotion. 

Check Before It’s Late : Positive Parent-Child Communication Strategies

Communication turns into a one-way experience without effective listening

Children begin to feel like passengers rather than participants in the family. With active listening, though?

It becomes a conversation one that builds trust, understanding, and lifelong availability.

What Are Active Listening Skills?

Active listening is more than keeping your ears open. It's:

Eye contact (demonstrating presence).

Reflecting back ("So you felt angry when she took your toy?").

Open-ended questions ("What happened next?").

Patience (not jumping in with advice)

It’s about showing your child: “I hear you. I understand you. You matter.”

Ways That helps Communication & Listening

1. Feelings & Thoughts Journal for Kids

Not every child can voice emotions.

This guided journal helps them draw or write instead.

Perfect for quiet bedtime routines. Over time, it becomes a window into their world  and a family keepsake of emotional growth.

2. Conversation-Starter Cards for Families

Dinner table turned dull? 

These cards add spark: “If you could time-travel, where would you go?”

Expect giggles, debates, and heartfelt confessions. 

We tried it once in my house  the “best part of your day” question became a ritual.

3. Listening Skills Activity Kit

Think board games + role-play cards.

The fun of a game night, with the bonus of teaching patience, turn-taking, and reflection.

My neighbor’s twins literally remind their parents now: “Wait, reflect back first!”

4. Storytelling Audiobooks & Apps

Interactive stories where kids listen, imagine, and later recall. 

Perfect for car rides or bedtime. Bonus: Parents can ask, “Why do you think the hero felt scared?”

to build empathy.

5. Parent-Child Activity Planner

This planner isn’t about homework  it’s about connection. Schedule small “listening times”: 

10 minutes after school, a walk in the park, or a weekend “chat hour.” 

Structured bonding becomes a habit, not an afterthought.

Benefits of active listening in parenting

Active listening is crucial for parents to establish healthy communication with their children. It is only through effective communication that parents can convey the love and care they feel for their children to them, leading to strong bonds of love and connection. 

1. It builds trust

Nothing makes kids feel loved, supported and understood like the way their parents’ undivided attention does. It helps them build enough trust in their parents to confide in them without the fear of being judged. 

2. Helps the child to open up and speak freely

You do not have to agree with your child on everything, but if you give your child the space to be his authentic self in front of you, he will not feel the need to hide things from you. 

3. Develops empathy

Effective Communication is the shortest route to empathy. When parents and children get their message across to each other loud and clear, they are able to step into each others’ shoes, which help them understand the others’ feelings and situation better, developing a steady foundation of mutual love and respect.

4. Resolves conflicts

Unless you talk to each other and believe that the other truly cares for you and wants the best for you, you will not be able to resolve your conflicts. Conflicts can be healthy in any relationship, if they are resolved with mutual respect and understanding and this can be achieved only through effective communication and applying active listening techniques.

Stay Ahead : Activities to Connect With Your New-Born Baby

What Are Active Listening Skills?

They are a set of skills that are employed to understand the person on the other end of the communication better. It is a way of taking into note the other person’s feelings, emotions and intentions while communicating with them to develop healthy relationships. 

1. Keep the phone away.

You wouldn’t want someone to be on their phone while talking to you, right? Extend the same courtesy to your children while talking to them. They may not be able to say it in words, but they know when they are receiving their parents’ full attention. 

2. Listen with your body

Non verbal communication or body language makes up 80% of our communication. So if you are physically present but mentally absent from a conversation – your body gives away cues. When you are conversing with your kids, listen with your body – which means try to sit at their eye level, with your arms open in a relaxed manner, keep nodding at them to let them know you are really interested in being with them.

3. Let them finish before you respond

As caregivers, we rush to solve our little one’s problems and try to offer them advice, solutions and lessons at every turn. Next time when you are listening to your toddler, let him finish his story first , however long or abrupt it may seem. This will encourage your child to share more often with you, without the fear of being interrupted by you. Give your child the gift of your patience.

4. Repeat what they’ve said.

Paraphrasing will do two things first it will make your child feel heard by you and second, it will give him a chance to introspect on the same story/perspective he just told you and that will make him derive lessons, conclusions and solutions on his own, which will foster independent thinking.

5. Encourage your child to introspect

Ask open ended questions to your child while listening to him, such as, “ How did that make you feel?” or “What did you want to do after that” – this will not just keep your conversation going, but is a good way of getting your little one to introspect without much prodding on your end. 

Active Listening Techniques Every Parent Can Try

1. Paraphrase & Reflect

Child: “Riya didn’t let me play.”

Parent: “You felt left out because Riya didn’t include you?”

2. Pause Before Responding

Give them space. Sometimes kids share slower than we expect

3. Use Open-Ended Questions

Instead of “Did you have a good day?”, try “What was the funniest thing that happened today?”

4. Show, Don’t Just Tell

Nod, smile, kneel down to their level. Non-verbal cues speak volumes.

Personal note: I once asked my cousin’s son, “How was your cricket match?”

Instead of the usual “Good,” he gave me a 10-minute play-by-play. Why? Because I put my phone aside and leaned in like his biggest fan.

Active Listening Tips for Kids

Listening is a two-way street. Teaching children to listen well makes them better friends, students, and later, partners.

Play “repeat back” games (“Tell me what I just said in your own words”).

Use storytelling where kids recall details after hearing a tale.

Encourage journaling so they learn to process thoughts before reacting.

Using Reflections to Show Genuine Listening

Imagine your teen says: “You don’t understand me.”

Instead of snapping back, reflect: “It sounds like you feel I’m not getting what you’re trying to say.”

This small shift melts defensiveness and opens doors. Kids often soften when they realise you’re trying to see through their eyes.

Testimonials

 “Since we began using the conversation-starter cards, my 10-year-old shares more about her school day. Our family time feels richer.”

 Pooja S., New Delhi

 “The journal helped my 7-year-old express feelings she used to bottle up. We sit together every Sunday  it’s our special ritual.”

 Ramesh K., Mumbai

“The listening kit turned game night into learning night. My twins actually remind me to ‘reflect back.’ Communication has never been this fun.”

 Anita M., Bangalore

FAQ's

1. What’s the difference between listening and hearing?

Hearing means receiving a sound through your ears, while listening means understanding the meaning behind that sound/audio. Listening happens with the intention to understand, while we keep hearing all sorts of sounds all day long. 

2. How important is non verbal communication?

Non verbal communication makes up most of our communication which includes body language, tone, facial expressions and emotional state while communicating with somebody.

Conclusion

Active listening isn’t about being a perfect parent. It’s about being present, intentional, and human.

Start small.

Ten minutes of distraction-free listening today. Ask, reflect, smile. 

Use tools like journals or conversation cards to make it fun, not forced.

When children feel truly heard, they grow into empathetic, confident, and resilient adults.

And honestly, that’s one of the greatest legacies a parent can leave.

So tonight  put the phone aside, look into your child’s eyes, and just… listen.

Popular reads

Independence Day Fancy Dress Ideas

Activities to Do During Summer Vacation

Children’s Day Quotes

Farewell Dress Ideas for School Girls

Author Bio

The One Friday Editorial Team brings years of experience in children's fashion and retail to deliver well-researched, trustworthy content. We carefully curate style tips, product insights, and practical advice to help parents make informed choices for their children's wardrobes. Dedicated to quality and authenticity, we ensure every post reflects One Friday's commitment to comfort, style, and the evolving needs of families.

Popular Searches

Children's Clothing Stores | 11 Year Girls' Dress | Stylish Shirt For Boys | Kidswear | Kids' Dress For Boys | Baby Clothes | Trousers For Girls | Stylish Shoes For Boys | Boys Suits | Boys Sweatshirts | Trending Dresses For Girls | Tops For Kid Girl | Casual Shirts For Boys | Frocks For Girls | Boys Pants |  Skirts For Girls