Parenting Tips: communication vs conversation

Today I am going to start trying out my new schedule for postings.Thursday is going to be general parenting day. These posts will work for any parents, not geared specifically for foster and adoptive. They are geared for children
but may apply more broadly as well.

Today... communication vs conversation.

Communication hopefully happens when you talk to your child.

Conversation hopefully happens when you talk with your child.

Conversations are important. They help you find out information, share events and feelings, and solve problems or shape decisions. The best conversations have an easy flow between people, a back and forth of reactions, thoughts, and ideas that leaves both sides feeling positive about the exchange ...even if the outcome may not be what was hoped. In conversations it is the process of exchange that is beneficial more than the outcome. Often conversation has a fairly informal feel.

Communication has a different role. Communication is needed when trying to inform your child of something... often a rule, a consequence, or similar topic. In this case, the outcome is more important than the process of exchange. The communication has failed if there isn't mutual understanding at the end. Mutual agreement is not required, but understanding is.

Knowing the differences between conversations and communications will help you shape the opportunities for and appoaches to each. Understanding each will help you succeed at both. This applies to talking to/with children, friends, coworkers, employers... everyone.