Observing Communication

As I was gathering feed for our animals in my local Wal-Mart, I couldn’t help but to observe a conversation between a younger female approximately three years old and her father.  I know he is her father because she calls him “Daddy”.  They are observing the fish tanks and talking about their differences.

Naturally the child asked for a fish. In a calm voice the father replied that she needed to look in the tank in front of him.  She asked, “Why?” He explained in a child friendly vocabulary that some fish lived in warm water while the others lived in cold water. He continued to explain they owned a tank which contained cold water fish.  The father tells her to come and look at the beautiful goldfish. He then explains they can live in their tank at home.

My thoughts with regards to how the communication interactions I observed may have affected the child’s feelings and any influences it may have had on the child’s sense of self-worth is how the father appeared very patient with his daughter’s behaviors and he provided her an answer to her questions. He shared information providing more accurate and tuned-in communications. (Kovach & Da Ros-Voseles, 2011). Through his communication skills the father used this moment as a beautiful time to teach and share knowledge with his young daughter.  He never tells her no, but redirects her in a positive calm manner.  He also listened and responded in a timely manner.

The adult interaction provided for child was positive, child friendly vocabulary, and helped develop an opportunity for the child to express her own identity. Such communications helps the child begin to develop a sense of self-worth. 

Reference:

Kovach, B., & Da Ros-Voseles, D. (2011). Communicating with babies. YC: Young Children, 66(2), 48-50.