Talk with your child. The words “talk with your child” seem simple, but I want you to take one day and keep tabs on how long you actually talk “with” your child. This doesn’t mean “tell your child what to do,” such as giving instructions. Talk with your child means taking time to listen to whatever they have to say about a topic of interest to them.

What if you’re not interested in the same things? That’s okay. Talking with your child is helpful in many ways, but today I’ll share three:

1. Talking with your child gives you a chance to learn what they like. Knowing your child’s interests will help you know how to plan activities that will be enjoyable. For example, if your child likes animals, a trip to the zoo will be fun for them.
2. Talking with your child improves their ability to communicate with others. Children who get practice at home are better prepared to talk at school and other settings. They understand how to have a conversation. Remember to let your child lead the conversation, rather than simply answer your questions.
3. Talking with your child helps them learn how to express their thoughts and feelings. Children and adults often find it hard to express themselves. This may be a result of not being encouraged to do it at a young age. But it’s never too late to start.

When you talk with your child, allow them to say what they think and feel. You are the best model, so be sure to say what you think and feel, as well. But remember to be kind. Words matter and we must show our children how to talk kindly and respectfully.

I look forward to talking with my children. They are adults now and I’m glad that I talked with them from a young age, because it helps build close relationships.

Gwendolyn Thompson McMillon, Ph.D., is a professor of literacy at Oakland University. She is project director for “I Read, I Lead, I Succeed,” via the Wolverine State Baptist Convention. Her new third book is, “Affirming Black Students’ Lives & Literacies.” She was appointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to serve on the Michigan Pre-K Literacy Commission.

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