Authors
- Juan Diego Zuluaga Rincón
Effective family communication is essential for children’s emotional well-being, especially when they experience learning or cognitive difficulties. Communicating openly and respectfully, while avoiding stigma, fosters emotional stability in minors (American Psychological Association, 2023). In this sense, the way caregivers communicate with children affects children’s self-perception and how they cope with everyday challenges.
According to the Child Mind Institute, it is important to explain to children the existence of any type of difficulty that has been identified. This explanation should focus on understanding rather than negatively affecting the child’s identity. The same institute recommends that communication be honest, clear, and adapted to the child’s age. It is also important to explain to the child that all people learn differently and at different paces. Scientific evidence suggests that when children understand their difficulties and receive support to manage them, they show lower levels of anxiety and greater motivation (Burden, 2008).
When communicating with minors, it is important to do so assertively. To achieve this, it is recommended to avoid certain expressions that could negatively affect children. According to the APA, the tone of communication should avoid being condescending. They also state that communication should always be clear and honest. It is advisable to avoid terms such as “you are not capable,” “you are slower than your classmates,” “you have problems,” or similar expressions that may make the child feel bad. Instead, explanations should focus on objective descriptions rather than judgments about the child’s behavior.
Finally, family communication should be clear, sensitive, and oriented toward providing emotional support to the child. It is essential to address children without negative labels, using language that acknowledges difficulties without stigmatizing them. This is important so that children can recognize their challenges and find the necessary strategies to cope with them.
References
American Psychological Association. (2023). Effective communication with children and families. APA Press.
Burden, R. (2008). Is dyslexia necessarily associated with negative feelings of self-worth? Dyslexia, 14(3), 188–196.
Child Mind Institute. (2021). Helping children understand their learning differences. Child Mind Institute Publications.
Hinshaw, S. (2018). The Mark of Shame: Stigma of Mental Illness and an Agenda for Change. Oxford University Press.
