Monday, January 7, 2013
Communication
When I think of communication and a good communicator the first person I think of is my mother. She recently died of cancer, and in part it has made me realize how much I miss the communication we had and just how good she was at listening and also giving advice. She was an elementary school counselor and used communication skills as part of her job on a daily basis. When I moved away to go to college most of our communication happened over the phone. I did see her quite often since the city I moved to was only three hours away, but we probably talked three or four times every day. I always felt comfortable bouncing all my ideas or problems off her and really appreciated her advice. I never felt judged and when I needed someone to talk to she was there to give advice and listen. I really noticed how much I cherished the relationship when I had two daughters of my own. She always listened to me talk about parenting in good times and times which were very difficult. I knew she loved them as much as I did and she collaborated with me about many issues which arose. I definitely want to model my communication behaviors after my mother. She was a very active listener and took the time to make me feel like any issue I had mattered big or small. The biggest attribute I want to model after my mother is I always felt comfortable talking to her and never felt guarded. If I can make the families I work with feel comfortable talking to me and know I do not put judgment forward, then I feel I am on the right path to making a difference.
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I am sorry for your loss Alissa. I am glad to hear you had a good relationship and effective communication with your mother - like you said, you can model for your own children what you learned from your mother.
ReplyDeleteCarolina
Alissa, my condolences to you. You have great memories of your mother, and it is wonderful that you were able to communicate with her so well. Learn from her example and you also will be a role model to your girls.
ReplyDeleteSheryl
Alissa- I am so sorry to hear of your loss. It sounds like the relationship that you had with your mother was truly inspirational. To help in keeping her legacy, share those effective communication skills with your own children. I think many times when we think about effective communicators, we forget about active listening. It sounds like your mother was a fantastic and inspiring woman. Thank you for sharing, and I look forward to working with you in this course.
ReplyDeleteChristelle
Alissa, I am sorry to hear that you loss someone so special to you, my mother died in a house fire when I was nine years old. I am glad that you had the opportunity to learn good communication skills from your mom. I am sure your mom was a great communicator given the profession she was in. Communiation is the key to breaking down barriers and overcoming obstacles. I am sure you learned things that you will utilize in the early childhood field.
ReplyDeleteI also chose my mother. Mothers are our first teachers and they are our primary caregivers.
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