👂 Listen so others feel heard
🔵 Wellness practice
Listening well is a skill anyone can learn. It helps children, partners, parents and friends feel understood, even when you disagree.
Turn towards the person. Your attention is the first message.
Do not interrupt or plan your answer while they talk. Nod, and show you are following.
'So you felt left out at lunch?' This checks you understood and shows you care.
'Do you want ideas, or shall I just listen?' Sometimes listening is all that is needed.
Real-life example
Your teenager says, 'I hate maths.' Instead of 'Don't say that', you try: 'Sounds like today's class was really frustrating. What happened?'
A common mistake
Jumping straight to advice or comparing ('When I was young…'). People usually want to feel understood first.
Try the activity
Try the 3-minute listen today: ask someone about their day and only listen.
Quick recap
- Full attention
- Let them finish, say it back
- Ask before advising