The emotional tone you set with your family is by far most important aspect of parenting. Family members react to the tone of your voice long before they decide whether to list to what you say.
The old adage "it's not just what you say but how you say it" is truly important for happy families.
Does your demenor and outlook reflect the feelings that life is an interesting, exciting adventure where we need to work hard and do the best we can?
Or are you reserved, aloof, continually cold, critical and demanding? Would you respond positively to the way you are talking to you family members?
You may be surprised by what you are communicating to your loved ones with the sound of your voice.
Get a small, inexpensive digital recorder. Turn it on, stick it in your front pocket, forget about it and spend time with your family. When you are alone and have time, commuting or exercising, listen to the sound of your own voice. What are you communicating with your tone and content?
Parents are often very surprised when they hear how they sound to their loves ones.
And yes, setting schedules and boundaries is indeed important. How family members respond depends on how you talk to them.
It's also important to match your guidance to the needs of your family members.
Copyright 1999- , Michele Moore. All Rights Reserved. This material may NOT be published, broadcast, redistributed or rewritten without written permission from the authors. Explore HappinessHabit.com and HappinessBlog.com for more happiness insights!
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