Description
From a Harvard faculty member and oral language specialist, an invaluable guide that gives readers evidence-based tools and techniques to communicate more effectively with children in ways that let them foster relationships with less conflict and more joy and kindness.
Science has shown that the best way to help our kids become independent, confident, kind, empathetic, and happy is by talking with them. Yet, so often, parents, educators, and caregivers have trouble communicating with kids. Conversations can feel trivial or strained—or worse, are marked by constant conflict.
In The Art of Talking with Children, Rebecca Rolland, a Harvard faculty member, speech pathologist, and mother, arms adults with practical tools to help them have productive and meaningful conversations with children of all ages—whether it’s engaging an obstinate toddler or getting the most monosyllabic adolescent to open up.
The Art of Talking with Children shows us how quality communication—or rich talk—can help us build the skills and capacities children need to thrive.
Dr Rolland is incredibly insightful, explains the reasoning behind all of her points with depth, and doesn’t shy away from ‘difficult’ topics.
This has great insight on how to talk with children. If you work with kids there are some great tips and I’ve seen the magic work firsthand.
The Art of Talking with Children should be required reading for anyone who works with children, has children or wants to understand how to talk with children. Her research-driven approach, and personal stories, demonstrate what it means to truly connect with another through conversation. I loved her method for rich conversations: Expand (“Tell me more about that…) Explore (“What do you think is going on here?”) and Evaluate (“What other ideas are we missing here? What haven’t we considered?”). Rich conversations help us learn more about ourselves and each other. They foster creativity, bonding, and better problem-solving. Yet they are very rare. I highly recommend this brilliant and compassionate book to anyone who yearns for deeper conversations and true understanding. Those who nurture children will find it an invaluable work.
If you are tired of hearing about the “growth mindset” and not knowing what to do with that advice, The Art of Talking with Children is the book for you. Rolland takes Dweck’s theory (that we have all heard too much about) and brings it into practice and explains how to use it with your kids. A useful and interesting addition for parents.
I listened to this book on Audible during my daily walks. I have five grandchildren and need suggestions for ways to converse with them. Many days I thought I should have brought a little notebook to jot down the pearls from this book. The narrator’s voice was pleasant and even though the book is long, it kept my interest. The only negative for me was the many references to studies (which would be important for academia). I highly recommend this book for anyone with children in their life.