Observing Communication

When I prepared to write this blog I realized that I often observe communication and interactions without intentionally doing so. I find it fascinating to see how people interaction and respond to one another and the different types of communication they have.
On this particular day I was standing in the queue at the supermarket and there was a mother with her young son in the trolley in front of me. The line was long and the little boy was getting restless, he started to take snacks off the shelves next to him. "I have told you not to touch those things" said the mother, noticeably annoyed. "But I am hungry and it's taking so long" said the boy in a very tired voice. "put it back!" snapped the mom under her breathe. She turned to apologize to me. Surprised I answered "Please do not apologize, I have 3 young sons and I know how boring shopping can be for them, and how tempting all these treats are here.". She seems embarrassed and worried what people around her were thinking. The little boy again took something off the shelf. She spoke sternly under her breathe this time. "You are embarrassing me, you are not a good boy today and next time you can stay home instead of coming with". The little boy began to cry. 
I could see the mother was trying to keep things together and was obviously irritated by the waiting in the line and perhaps preoccupied with other stresses or issues she may have. 
 I feel that the mother did not take the time to hear the little boy and actually understand that he was hungry and tired. One needs to always affirm children's feelings and listen with meaning to what they have to say (Laureate Education, 2011). 
I felt as if the mother was too worried about what others around her were thinking and less about engaging in a conversation with her child that was obviously not happy. I feel that she could have been more receptive to his needs, not necessarily giving him the snack but acknowledging that it is a long wait and reassuring him they will go home soon for a healthier snack  (Laureate Education, 2011). 
I feel that it is important for adults to stop and take the time to listen to what children are saying. It is essential for them to feel listened to and have their opinions respected

(Laureate Education, 2011). 
We all communicate and talk in different ways and children are no different in that

(Stephenson, 2009). As a teacher and a mother I am always making sure that I go onto a children's eye level and really hear what they are saying. There are times when I am tired and less patient and this can more challenging but generally speaking I am committed to listening to each and every one and respond in a way that validates them and supports their learning and development (Dangei &Durden, 2010). 
I am far more patient with my learners and children that are not my own. I feel that I need to be as patient with my own children and make sure that I listen to them clearly, even when they are whining or complaining. There is always a message or something that needs to be communicated but often children do not know the appropriate way to do it. We have to guide them and model the correct behavior. 

References:

1    Laureate Education, Inc. (2011).  Strategies for working with diverse children:                         Communicating with young children.  Baltimore, MD: Author

      Stephenson, A. (2009).  Conversations with a 2-year-old.  Young Children, 64(2), 90-95.
      
      Rainer Dangei, J., & Durden, T. R. (2010). The nature of teacher talk during small group activities. YC: Young Children, 65(1), 74-81