Long a difficult skill to master, I have added this to my 2024 New Year’s Resolutions because it is a profoundly useful skill.
“WHAT IS REFLECTIVE LISTENING?
Reflective listening is the practice of repeating a paraphrased version of the speaker’s message back to them. The message includes more than just the words the speaker communicates. It also includes any emotions they’re expressing.
As a reflective listener, your goal is to help the speaker hear their own thoughts and encourage them to keep talking. This is different from other conversations where you might listen to the speaker and then respond by adding in new information or a related anecdote.
It’s also different from asking the speaker questions, as that guides them instead of simply hearing them out and allowing them to process their thoughts and feelings as they flow.”
Source: https://www.zippia.com/advice/reflective-listening/
This is especially good for children. As adults, it’s our work to guide/coach/teach/protect kids. Still, there are times when the best thing we can do is to reflect back what we are hearing them say, to acknowledge that they have feelings and struggles just as adults…and all humans do.
Happy Tuesday!
Terra Rose
Life Without Montages 