This book, How to Talk to Kids So Kids Will Listen, is for those that find communicating with children frustrating and stressful. Parenting can be rewarding and joyous in so many different ways, however, it can also be exasperating and trying, especially when striving to ensure our kids listen when being communicated to.

From understanding each stage of child development, through to sustaining effective communication, you will learn exactly what is required to eradicate child listening issues, ensuring a far less stressful parenting life, and a far happier one.

Also, your relationship with your child will become stronger, trustful and harmonious.

The importance of effective communication with kids cannot be underestimated. You, as a parent are their primary role model, and it is entirely your responsibility to ensure your child listens, understands and follows your instructions.

Their emotional, social and cognitive development are significantly impacted by how effective your communication is with them. By recognising the different styles of communication, you are creating a solid and healthy foundation, from which they can use in their own future relationships.

Disobedient kids, bad behaviour and listening issues are all too common parenting complaints, along with difficult conversations and strained relations, can have a destructive effect on your family as a whole. Understanding why kids choose not to listen is the first step to engaging and communicating correctly with your child. From infancy through to later years, each developmental stage requires different communication strategies, and this book will guide on how you can adapt easily with great effect.

Asking open ended questions to your child is just one very simple way you can encourage honest and open communication, which is an essential foundation for any strong parent/child relationship. Instead of asking " How was school today? ", change it to, " What part of today did you enjoy the most? ". This provides children with the opportunity to avoid one word answers, and reminds them of your clear interest in their daily activities.

From an early age, children absorb language and mannerisms from their parents, so we need to ensure that our own communication and listening habits are as they should be, positive, honest and consistent, whilst avoiding negativity and criticism. The earlier this is demonstrated the better.

By focusing on the behaviour and not the child, this enables you to address any conflicts in a positive way, ensuring your communication style fits the situation. You will quickly learn how to turn difficult conversations into positive lines of communication, adopting the correct strategy for each moment. Being honest, listening actively and using age-appropriate language are just a few of the attributes that you will acquire.

• Recognising common communication barriers
• Respecting boundaries
• Recognising signs of stress or anxiety in kids
• Tips for responding to kids' emotions
• Encouraging kids to express their feelings
• Respecting their privacy and personal space
• Encouraging brainstorming
• Developing a plan for consistent discipline
• Strategies for developing empathy for kids
• The importance of independence and responsibility in child development
• Strategies for supporting emotional intelligence in kids
• Sustaining effective communication
• Communicating through play

These are just a few of the rewarding topics covered in this book.