When was the last time you really stopped to listen to your child?

 

In the midst of the rush of everyday life, it is common for us to act automatically, like programmed robots, leaving aside precious moments of connection. Listening to a child goes beyond simply hearing their words; it is a practice that requires attention, empathy and a willingness to enter their world, respecting their perceptions and feelings.

According to Paulo Fochi, listening is leaving yourself and entering the other person’s territory, welcoming them without imposing your own thoughts. This concept is fundamental to active listening in children, which refers to the ability of parents to understand and relate to the unique way in which their child communicates.

By establishing a relationship based on respect and understanding, active listening promotes an environment where the child feels safe to express their emotions and develop fully.

Practicing active listening involves more than just listening; it is being present, looking the child in the eye, answering their questions and maintaining a flexible and empathetic posture.

Although it is crucial to give children space to express themselves, this does not mean that there are no limits. On the contrary, dialogue and communication are essential tools for the emotional and integral development of children, helping them to see themselves as active subjects and protagonists of their own story.

Listening is, as Paulo Fochi suggests, an exercise against narcissism, a way of getting out of oneself and establishing a true relationship with others.

For Loris Malaguzzi, listening is an active verb, an art that involves being attentive with all the senses to recognize the different forms of expression of children. Active listening is, therefore, an essential condition for care and healthy development, enabling a deeper understanding of the subjectivity and needs of children.

In short, active listening is an act of acceptance, an art that transforms the relationship between adults and children, promoting an environment where children can grow, learn and develop fully and authentically.

Danielle Pereira dos Santos

Founding Partner and Administrative and Financial Director of Escola Infanzia