LISTENING A NECESSARY FAMILY LIFE SKILL.

What did you just say, Tunde said to Chidinma his six months wedded wife. She was speaking English, but he wasn't just paying attention at all. Chidinma got angry and walked out of the living room.

What was the problem here? It was a communication problem owing to the fact that Tunde wasn't listening. It becomes even worse if your spouse's love language is Communication; gisting, talking and chatting.

Recalling my child and adulthood, it was one that was filled with fun. Ours was full of expressions, age gap had no barrier. Dad in the evening will pick a chair and beckon on me to have a time out together, gisting and chatting all the way.

The benefits of listening, which is a critical part of communication are not far fetched.

1. It fosters unity within the family. It thus increases the bond within members of the family.

2. It fosters love, warmth and commitment. At the point of listening. Love is shared, warmth in the sense that it could lead to a level of sensuality amongst couples(non-verbal communication)and both parties become more committed to each other.

3. You'll agree with me that the virtue called, 'Patience' is acquired during listening, which in itself, keeps the family relationship going.

4. How about, aiding understanding, reducing conflicts and fostering respect among the spouse as well as the other family members.

5. You gain clarity when you listen. Clarity of issues, clarify over the one whom you are communicating to amongst others.

To the one who listens he/she learns more. So, listen to your spouse, your kids and your wards. This includes listening to their verbal and non verbal clues.

Keep communicating, keep listening.

Tony Oligbo

Family Coach

FamiliArise

Picture taken on set while listening to the director.