Communication is an important part of any relationship, but it is so hard sometimes! Your kids don't listen to what you're saying. Your partner has shut down and communication has become a series of single-word answers to your questions. What is going on? One of the most common issues in troubled relationships is the unintended use of "communication blocks," things that prevent your message from achieving what you intended them to do.
I call them the 3 C's:
Criticism - negative remarks about the person (i.e. "You are SO lazy!: All you do is play video games."
Complaints - negative remarks about a specific behavior "i.e. "You didn't take out the garbage, again.")
Critiques - telling someone how they did it wrong (i.e. "You are supposed to load the dishes this way" or "That's not the right way, just let me do it."). Critiques put the speaker in the superior role and the other person in the inferior role, which is a guarantee you'll close off communication.
Take a moment to think about the last time you were frustrated with your partner or your child. Did you happen to use one of these 3 C's?
When we take the time to be aware of our mistakes, we can change them and improve our family dynamics. Added bonus, you’ll discover you feel less stressed when you break the cycle of negativity and your partner or child will be more open to conversations with you! If you know someone wanting to improve things within their family, please forward this blog to them! I'd love your help sharing these tips. Looking for more parenting and stepfamily tips and techniques? Sign up for my weekly newsletter today! https://my.daretoparent.com/dtpnewsletter
