How Do You Teach Your Child About Two Way Conversations

June 14, 2010 | My Blog | The Kids Coach | 1 Comment

I often find when I am with my eldest son and his friends that one of them talks non-stop about what they are doing and does not invite the other one into the ‘conversation’. Its all one sided and even if the other did want to say anything they would not get a word in edgeways.

This normally happens with my son and his best girl friend. They are so excited to see each other that they do not allow the other one to speak.

I teach my son about taking turns in conversations – so a one-sided chat becomes an interesting conversation. He is slowly getting it. But there are so many skills attached to conversation – listening, speaking, asking questions, showing interest etc. Skills that do take time to learn and practice.

I sometimes have to steer the conversations with my son and his friends and say, ‘maybe x would like to say something’ or ‘what do you (x) think?’.

Do you have the same problem? How do you deal with it?

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1 Comment for this entry

Ranjana Hari (Mothersbliss)
July 14th, 2010 on 4:45 pm

I have this problem with my 3 yo who has so much to talk about and so little time. I am working on it right now between her and me. I put my hand up and ask her if I can have my turn – she gets the message and slows down and uses this time to take a breath too – she’ll get there by the time school opens I think!