Examples of Non-verbal Communication in Parenting

The following examples of non-verbal communication illustrate some ways to communicate more effectively.

Non-verbal communication is something you always do, knowingly or unknowingly. Through body language like the way you hold your body, you facial expressions, little gestures or through the tone of your voice, ... 

Through all those little things and other types of nonverbal communication you tell other people how you feel or mean something you say. You grow up with it. You learn it even before you learn to talk.

Using nonverbal communication more effectively as a parent often requires only a bit more awareness and focus. Sometimes it just needs  the spark of an idea like using melodies or routines. Spur your creativity with the following ideas and examples of non verbal communication.

Facial Expression
Examples of Non-verbal Communication

Which face do you like more? Who do you feel more comfortable with? Who would you be more likely to listen to, not only out of fear when trouble is arizing, but actually because you like that person and want to show that too?

Of course, sometimes it's necessary to show your disapproval. In many other situations, though, gentle guidance is much more helpful. Read along for nonverbal communication tips to appear - and be - more gentle.

Body Posture
Examples of Non-verbal Communication

vs.
Sometimes it's not easy to be understood from a distance. Especially when your kids are little, get down to their level or bring them up to yours to communicate more effectively.

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Using Songs and Melodies
Examples of Non-verbal Communication

This is one way to tell your kids what happens next without using words. A special song for packing away, quiet music just before sleep time, ... When my daughter doesn’t want to get into her car seat it often helps to just start singing her favourite song. In no time she’s ready for the car ride.

Music can also carry a lot of emotion and help you lift spirits or quiet them. The good thing is, this doesn’t only work for your kids. At times when you’ve got trouble lifting up yourself (not to mention motivation your kids too), music can do an excellent job for everyone, even better when combined with the next example. Just make sure when using stimulating music, that you don’t overdo.

Using Rituals and Routines
Examples of Non-verbal Communication

Another way to communicate nonverbally what is going to happen next is through routines and rituals. They can prevent a lot of fights about normal every day issues.

You might have experienced something similar yourself. If you always drive the same route to work at the same time of the day it doesn’t take much thinking about where to go and which way to turn. You just do it. You might even end up on your way to work or to another familiar place, even though you didn’t want to go there – just because you’re so used to the route.

Or if your alarm clock rings at the same time every morning and you’re used to really getting up then, it happens that you wake up just seconds before the clock actually rings.

The same principles are true in parenting. If something happens the same way at around the same time every day, he or she will become used to it. That can be positive or negative. Being used to delaying things or fussing when it’s time to leave the house can be annoying. Being used to a certain sequence of activities just before bed can help her to calm down, get tired and sleepy.

To use rituals and routines positively you’d choose enjoyable activities that naturally lead to the goal you want to reach. They need to happen in the same order in a similar way every day for at least a week, better more, to become effective.

How you as a parent implement, faster and value routines like that also tells your child how important they are for you. If you value them and try to accommodate for them even though they might not always fit in with your schedule, your child is much more likely to follow them as well, even though they sometimes might not be what your child “wants” at the time.

This is just one of the examples of nonverbal communication, that doesn’t seem to fit in with the well known types of nonverbal communication (like body language). Never the less what you communicate through your actions is just as important as the words you use.

These are a few examples of non verbal communication used in parenting to make life easier and reduce stress. For more ideas about how you can improve your nonverbal communication and positive parenting tips that make your family life easier and more enjoyable try the following related articles.

Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication,
(including types of non-verbal communication)

Quick tips to improve your nonverbal communication

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