When I
am working with families from other cultures I believe I use various
communication styles based on their personalities. For example, if a family is
older than me and has more than one child, I typically use more formal language
based on their displayed knowledge of child development. If the family is
younger in age, I use more humor and informal language. The best use of
communication that I have been able to use with families with various cultures
is to ask questions and learn about what cultural practices are special to
them. In the past, I have said that I wear a different hat depending on the
family. Every family has their own unique culture so I try to find a way to fit
into the family in the best way possible that will benefit them. I think I have
a fairly flexible communication style which enables me to transition from one
family’s home to another. By wearing the different hats, I am able to build a
relationship with the family and support them in any way I can.
One of the strategies that could help to communicate more effectively with families is to use reflective listening. It is also helpful to apply the Platinum Rule in order to ensure that the thoughts and feelings of the family are reflected and appropriately responded to. The third strategy would be to ask questions to engage the family and gain a better understanding of their culture.
One of the strategies that could help to communicate more effectively with families is to use reflective listening. It is also helpful to apply the Platinum Rule in order to ensure that the thoughts and feelings of the family are reflected and appropriately responded to. The third strategy would be to ask questions to engage the family and gain a better understanding of their culture.
Terri,
ReplyDeleteWould you consider your strategies to be mindful: consciously doing, thinking and sensing the family's natural way of communicating? And have you developed self-talk rapport to self-correct as you notice non-verbal or verbal cues? I would guess it is exhausting to wear so many hats, by the end of the day and to have been so alert to the details of communication.
Hello Terri,
ReplyDeleteI agree that reflective listening is very important when communicating with families from different groups and cultures. The reflection of words and emotions makes the person feel understood and everyone wants to feel heard and understood. Indeed, this strategy will reduce many barriers in communication.
You are right. It is sometimes hard to do this though because in this profession you find yourself working with so many families and so many types of families. I don't think I have yet to find two families that are so similar you can use the exact same strategies and forms of communication. Listening is indeed key. You learn a lot just by simply tuning in sometimes.
ReplyDeleteTerri, I'm starting to ask questions more when communication as a result of this class. I find that asking questions (what, when, who, how) directs the conversations to become more fluid. It's also a way for me to talk less why listening to the speaker's response.
ReplyDeleteGreat insight Terri on how to communicate with families. My first few years of teaching I wanted to avoid family nights at my school. Although I knew this was important, I wasn't very skilled or comfortable with it. The classes I have taken here at Walden has really helped in this area. It has opened my eyes to the importance of building family relationships. Thanks again for the additional techniques.
ReplyDeleteTerri,
ReplyDeleteEffective listening is so important. I am working on my listening skills, as I am very distractible. I also need to put the platinum rule into use, because once I apply it to a real life situation I know I will better understand it. Thank you for your post.
Janell Lawrence