No matter the time and place, use these guidelines to help you use everyday learning opportunities:

Be available.

• Taking time to stop and talk about things helps in forming good communication habits. Give your undivided attention to your child. Sit down and look at your child while you talk.
• Make reading part of your daily routine. When reading books, talk about what the characters are feeling and what’s going on.
• If your child draws a picture, ask them to tell you a story about it.

  Be a good listener.

  • Ask your child about his feelings on a subject. When you listen to your child, you help your child feel loved and valued.
• Model good listening and conversation skills for your child. Let your child know that what he or she says is important. Listen closely and respond to questions.

Show empathy.

• Tune in to your child's feelings and let him or her know you understand. Let your child express feelings – the feelings are real and should be respected. Talk about the feelings and provide ideas or guidance on what to do with specific feelings.

Be a good role model.

• Use words and tones in your voice that you want your child to use. If you use words to describe your feelings, it will help your child to learn to do the same. When parents use feeling words, children learn to do the same.
• Talk, talk and talk some more. No matter what age, your child is listening and learning!