Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Romelia Gomez, discusses how to communicate with your children, sharing the importance of communication and their types, as well as active listening skills.

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Effective, positive communication starts with parents and caregivers and an approach to that focuses on using kind, respectful, and encouraging words and tones. It involves using language that uplifts and motivates the person you are speaking to.

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Romelia explains why healthy communication matters:

• You are the first teacher of and role model for your child. How you handle communicating ideas, needs and concerns influences how your child communicates.

• Without strong communication skills, children often struggle to develop friendships, to have positive teacher interactions and to navigate life's ups and downs.

• Showing your children how to communicate clearly and positively helps them build strong relationships.

• From using helpful language to practicing active listening, you can guide your child to become a strong communicator. Remember, children learn by watching others and your child is watching you.

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Romelia then leads participants through a group activity, identifying communication types such as passive, aggressive and assertive.  She concludes the group activity by helping participants learn how to communicate with children and active listening.