Communication FUNdamentals

May. 27, 2008

A Day Without Communication is like...IMPOSSIBLE-#2 Parenting

Each Tuesday I share a random communication tip.  Every once in a while I find a communication topic that requires further study and a series is born.  Beginning last week and for the next several weeks I am sharing how important communication is every day in my new series: A Day Without Communication is like...IMPOSSIBLE. We may be able to get through our entire lives without ever having to make a speech but we can't get through one single day without communicating something some somebody!  And each aspect of communication requires different skills.  Last week I talked about how important communication skills are in marriage.  This week I would like to share with you why communication skills are so vital to parenting. 2. The Communication of Parenting: You cannot have any relationship without communicating in some fashion.  Parenting involves communicating for various purposes: comforting, teaching, setting an example, building trust, sharing ideas, getting to know one another, etc.  Successful families practice effective communicaiton skills.  Good communication skills can reduce violent behavoirs and improve relationships.  According to studies, better family communication skills could reduce these tragic statistics: Juvenile Violent Crime Teenage homicide Child neglect and abuse Teen Suicide Eating disorders Depression Alcohol and drug abuse Issues for teens from broken homes Last week we learned that lack of effective communication affects the divorce rates which are over 50%.  Statistics show that teens from broken homes: have 2-3 times more behavioral and psychological problems than do children from intact homes. comprise 70% of juveniles and young adults serving in long-term correctional facilities account for 3 out of 4 teen suicides comprise 4 out of 5 psychiatric admissions Peer pressure is cited by 50% of 7th-12th graders as a major factor in why violence occurs in schools.  Drugs or alcohol is cited by 39%, lack of parental supervision is cited by 36% and lack of family involvement is cited by 25%.  This stems from low self-esteem instilled by parents due to a lack of communication between parent and child and by an inability to articulate wants and needs leading to violent behavoir.  The National Communication Association study, Why Communication is Important, says that "Youngsters with poor communication skills are sometimes viewed as less attractive by their peers and enjoy fewer friendships.  Antisocial and violent behavoir often accompany or occur with underdeveloped social and conflict management skills.  On the positive side, the ability to communicate orally supports sound psychological development.  One's self concept is acquired through interaction with others.  In psychological terms, acheiving self-actualization involves communication activities such as making contributions in groups, exerting influence over others and using socially acceptable behavior." Violence affects us all: Twenty five percent of students have been the victim of a violent act that occurred in or around school.  One in six teachers report having been the victim of violence in or around school.  Up from years past. Nationwide, 15% of high school students had participated in a physical fight in the past twelve months. 40% of students say they have bullied other students with threats of hitting, slapping or kicking. 6% have threatened other students with a gun or other weapon. 28% of students, 23% of teachers and 30% of law enforcement believe that violence in local public schools will increase in the next two years.  Even if your kids aren't in public schools, these violent students grow up to become violent adults.  I talk about parental communication with their children in my book Say What You Mean Every Day in chapter 14 called Kid Kommunication.   Parents who communication effectively with their children give them a clear sense of boundaries and security.  They show them love and give them a sense of self worth and self-esteem.  Children who learn to communicate effectively can articulate their wants and needs.  Those who don't are lead to violent behavior in order to have those misunderstood needs met. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ JoJo Tabares holds a degree in Speech Communication, but it is her humorous approach to communication skills which has made her a highly sought-after Christian speaker and writer.  Her articles appear in homeschool publications, such as Homeschool Enrichment Magazine and The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, which also endorses her Say What You Mean curricula.  You can also find JoJo on web sites such as Crosswalk.com and Dr.Laura.com.  For more information on communication FUNdamentals and Christian-based communication skills for the whole family, please visit http://www.ArtofEloquence.com ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ From JoJo's Purple Crayon...

• Post A Comment! • Send to a Friend!

Comments

May. 28, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by SurvivingTheTestosterone

I love this article!! Hugs, amanda

• Permanent Link