Our theme for this term’s ‘Keeping Healthy Week’ is healthy communications and a variety of activities on the importance of learning about how we communicate are planned for both children and adults to participate in. Take a look at some of the events planned and remember to make talking about communication a topic of conversation with your family this week.
Communicating to other people and understanding what others are saying is very important skill in life. If people did not communicate, we wouldn’t be able to know what others wanted, what to do, or where to go. Signs of good communication include the ability to express your needs, wants, and feelings appropriately in different situations.
“We need to communicate if we don’t understand. If you are in class and you do not understand something, you ask. You listen to the explanation and understand what you did not understand earlier.
We need to communicate our feelings and emotions. It is healthy to express our feelings, good, bad or sad. During times of change in your life – such as starting school, a move, changing school, or a parents’ divorce – it is a good idea to talk to people so you can deal with your feelings and move on, making the best of the situation.
If you do not want to talk to your parents, try your friends, siblings or teachers. The crucial thing is to express your feelings. Otherwise, these feelings can get stuck inside your head, circle around, and never get out – which leads to problems with focus, sleep, and relaxation.
Communication involves talking and listening – they go hand in hand. Relationships are two-sided: each person has a responsibility to make themselves heard and to hear other people. If you are always listening, or if you are always talking, the relationship is not balanced.
Remember to express yourself. In the end, you will feel better. Think about what you want from the communication; define specific goals and a specific message. Decide the best outcome you would be satisfied with, and work to achieve your goal. A key to successful communication is not to blame the other person. Use “I” statements instead of “you” statements. Express how you feel instead of blaming the other person. Setbacks may occur, but keep working at it!” Adapted from an article written by teenagers participating in a wellness programme.