Communication

I had the opportunity to observe a child and an adult while I was shopping in Walmart. I saw the child and the adult several times while I was shopping. The child appeared to be not listening to the adult several times.  The child and the adult ended up being in the same checkout lane. They were having a conversation about a toy the child wanted. I noticed the child was approximately four or five years of age.   This child has some good negotiating skills. She reminded me of my girls.  I couldn’t help but laugh and smile at the situation. The adult keep going back and forth with this child. The child was not taking no for an answer. The child started to through a temper tantrum.  The adult stood firm on her decision and talked to the child in a calm voice.  She was a little to calm in my opinion.  Everyone was looking at the child by this point. She told the child to get off the floor, and she wasn’t buying the toy.  However, she did give the child an opportunity to explain why she felt like she deserved the toy. The adult then explained to the child that if she was considering buying the toy her tantrum definitely changed her mind.

The whole conversation between the adult and the child was very interesting.  She allowed the child to plead her case, and she listened despite the tantrum.  I felt like it was effective because it was teaching the child that her thoughts and what she had to say was important. I feel like children should be able to express themselves to a certain point.  However, I don’t do tantrums at all and that doesn’t get you anything.  I believe the adult made the child feel important by allowing her to plead her case. I do applaud the adult for not giving in to the tantrum. The adult’s response was a great example of affirmed communication.

I grew up in a household where children should be seen and not heard. I wouldn’t dare have a tantrum over not getting a toy, or my mom would spank me in the store. While observing the adult and child communicating, I reflected on the way I communicate with the children in my class.  I always allow my children to explain a situation.  I also teach them that every situation will not make them happy.  They will not always get what they want, but by discussing the problem they will realize the answer is the best solution for the situation. I am a good listener at times. I always say I have selective hearing.  I can improve my listening skills with my children. It’s hard trying to listen to several children at one time without interruptions. I am learning slowly but surely.