Communication_and_Professional_Relationships_with_Children,_Young_People_and_Adults

TDA31-1.1 Explain why effective communication is important in developing positive relationships with children, young people and adults. When we first meet someone, whether it be with a smile, a wave or a hello, communication has started and we are already beginning to build a relationship. Communicating effectively is one of the most important areas to be addressed when building positive relationships. The relationship we have with children and young people has a great impact on our work with them. In order to work effectively with children, young people and their families, it is essential to establish good relationships with a range of people. Relationships and communication skills go hand in hand. Positive relationships with children and young people are important because: if children are comfortable with us, they can separate more easily from their parents children are more likely to play and participate in play and learning activities children are less likely to show unwanted behaviour and we are more able to recognise and meet their needs as children increasingly feel confident in talking to us, their language develops more quickly as we understand the child's developmental needs and know their interests, it enables us to plan more accurately we are able to respond to children more effectively as we can recognise their expressions and emotions All communication is important. We need to be approachable and we need to present a welcoming atmosphere in order to help create good, effective communication. Good communication is important because: misunderstandings are reduced better care is given to children when all relevant people working together can cooperate and communicate well all parties feel they are respected and valued a calm and happy environment is created it also shows a good model of skills to the children from which they can learn. Effective communication should have a two way flow of information, knowledge and expertise between parents and staff. Communication is made up of various elements as follows: Verbal communication This is what you say and how you say it, aspects to take into account are: using a calm and clear tone using appropriate vocabulary speaking at a level that is neither too loud nor too soft being able to adapt any or all of these depending on whether you are talking to a child or an adult Non verbal communication This is how you use your body language, facial expressions, gestures and movements to communicate. Actions can speak louder than words. Examples of these are such as: making eye contact using your hands to gesture while talking smiling or nodding folding your arms or crossing your legs raising your eyebrows in response Listening As well as talking and getting your message across, communication is a two way process. It is just as much about listening and understanding and involves: giving the individual your full attention showing you are interested in what the other person has to say sometimes summarising what has already been said in order to be sure you have understood Communication covers a wide area, and other important factors to take into account are: whether English is the second language is there a visual or hearing impairment requiring assistance such as written materials in large font or sign language does the individual have a physical disability where they may need more time to speak there may be a lack of reading ability and therefore information may need to be provided in audio form