3, 2, 1 action…

Life is like a stage.

Or perhaps life has become a stage and we are just the audience.

As technology progresses and proceeds to invade every area of our life, our children are too, becoming the ‘audience’ and the audience now expect instant results as everything is available at a swipe of a screen.

Tap, type, touch, click, swipe

We cannot escape technology, it is inevitable and in many ways, it is necessary but at the same time, although it makes our lives easier, it too, has its drawbacks in terms of social development and the critical skills we are expected to learn from a very young age.

I love this novel, did you notice how Jack, although he was hesitant to move to another place, could not contain his excitement and at the same time, was positive about the opportunities that could possibly arise from making this pivotal decision, what are your thoughts and what did you pick up from this character?

Ms Munro, I really struggled to pick up the excitement, I struggle to read or interpret the character’s emotions and feelings? And lastly, who is Jack again?

Active listening? Are we perhaps all guilty and may lack in this specific area? So what is active listening? Active listening is the ability to listen and process a large amount of data because of the reflective process that takes place. As individuals, we are faced with an extensive amount of visual sensory processing and gain immediate gratification. The information needed is instant and does not require higher problem solving skills or in depth communication, so rather, when approached with an auditory task, we need to ask: What did I hear? Was I able to ask questions regarding what I heard? Did I understand what was asked or said? Am I able to clarify this information? Did I understand the tone or feelings expressed and am I able summarize what was said or identify anything significant?

We, therefore, need to make sure that we have extended conversations with our children, read to them, ask questions, play games such as broken telephone or allow for group storytelling and always: communication, communication and more communication.

By improving active listening skills, a child’s academic performance will also improve. Such a skill has so many more facets and influences a person’s life positively in more ways than one could imagine.

Let’s take a look:

• A deeper understanding of emotions and feelings
• Gives an indication that an individual is respectful of another person’s feelings
• Diffuses conflict
• Better clarification and less misinterpretation
• An improvement in relationships
• Better communication skills
• Ability to focus more on one topic and the ability to minimize distractions
• Ability to give reasoned and valid feedback
• Ability to absorb data more effectively

To sum up, the reason active listening is very important is to avoid a similar situation to the following:

“I feel that you never really listen to me!” his distressed wife said whilst waiting for a response.

“Sure honey, I’d like a beer. Thanks.” Author unknown, must have been an observer as the husband may be seriously injured or even worse. It may be advisable not to make the same error. Active listening 101.