I'm guilty of this as a mom

I don't remember where I read this quote so long ago, but it's been on my mind recently.  

“Moms who don’t listen will end up with kids who have nothing to say.”

Not because moms don’t care — but because most of us are busy, tired, and juggling a million things at once.

We hear our kids all day long.
But listening is different.

Here are a few simple ways to become a better listener — and what they can look like in everyday life.

1. Listen to listen — not to respond
When our kids talk, our instinct is often to fix, correct, or defend ourselves. But listening means staying curious instead of reactive.

If your child says, “You never play with me,”
instead of responding with, “That’s not true,” try pausing and saying,
“It sounds like you wish we had more time together.”

No fixing. No arguing. Just listening.

2. Listen without judging
Kids shut down quickly when they feel judged. Eye rolls, sighs, or minimizing their feelings can teach them it’s safer not to talk.

If your child says, “I hate school,”
instead of, “You don’t hate school,” try,
“Tell me what’s making school feel hard right now.”

That one sentence keeps the door open.

3. Listen fully — not halfway
Partial listening happens when we’re on our phones, cooking, or thinking about the next task.
Kids notice, even when we don’t realize it.

Tell you child, "Let me finish this text then I want to hear what you have to say."

If your child starts telling you a story while you’re distracted, pause and say,
“Hold on, I want to hear this.”

Even a few minutes of full attention can make a big difference.

4. Get on their level
Connection is easier when kids feel safe and seen, and sometimes that starts with something as simple as sitting down.

Instead of talking from across the room, kneel down or sit beside them and say,
“I’m here. Tell me what’s going on.”

Listening doesn’t have to be perfect.
It just has to be a little more intentional.

Because when kids feel heard, they keep talking.  As is the same for us as adults.
And that matters more than we realize.

You’re doing better than you think 💛

Megan