This is the last of seven instruction blunders to avoid.
Distant Instructions: instructions that are yelled from another room or from a distance. Because the parent cannot see the child, the parent will be unaware if the child heard the instruction or was involved in something else important to the child. Additionally, it is hard to keep a respectful tone when yelling from across the house.
For example:
From downstairs Mom yells, “Mary, get off the phone and do your homework.” Meanwhile, Mary is on the phone reviewing the assignment with a friend.
From across the house Dad yells, “Turn off the light and go to bed.” Johnny wonders why Dad doesn’t say “goodnight” anymore and feels distant.
Mom yells across the crowded park that it is time to go and becomes frustrated because her kids “never listen”.
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Communication is a 2-way street. The person giving the information must be aware if the instruction has been received. The most effective communication involves eye contact, a respectful tone, and recognition from the recipient that the message has been understood.
In all the examples, the person who starts the communication should make an effort to have eye contact with the person or be in close enough range to use a normal voice volume. Yes, this requires people getting up and moving, walking, etc. or making a request for the other person to come closer. The effort will be rewarded in a payoff of better communication and relationships.
Post a comment and let me know your thoughts.
Beverly Dolenz Walsh
Life and Family Coach
Dr.Bev@sbcglobal.net
Imagine Your Life...Then Live It!
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1 comment:
Thanks for reminding me of this - I know I really need to work in this area. I'm either too lazy, or busy changing someone's diaper, or stirring supper, etc. (I have a whole list of excuses if you'd like to see them :).
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