Listening is one of the most important steps in promoting healthy growth and development of the child. Normalize letting your children tell their side, let the children to be heard helps avoid any bottling up of emotions and feelings.
Sr. Judith Atukwatse, Coordinator of Family Ministry in Kabale Diocese shares how important it is for parent to listen to their children.
Dear Parents, let’s talk about something important — listening to your kids.
We grew up in a generation where adults were always right. Where children were told, “Don’t talk back,” even when all they wanted was to explain what happened.
But here’s the truth: Kids deserve to be heard too.
When you pause and let your child tell their side of things, you’re not being “soft.” You’re being wise. Because sometimes their behavior isn’t defiance — it’s frustration, sadness, or confusion they can’t yet put into words.
Listening doesn’t mean you agree with everything they say. It means you care enough to understand before you correct. It means you value connection over control.
When you hear your child out, you teach them that communication matters. You show them that their feelings are valid, even when their choices aren’t perfect. You help them learn to speak honestly, instead of hiding their emotions out of fear.
And one day, when they’re older, they’ll come to you because they trust you’ll listen, not because they’re forced to.
That’s how you build respect. That’s how you raise emotionally intelligent, confident humans.
So next time your child says, “Can I explain?” — let them.
You might just learn something too.