Listening Do's and Don'ts

Do...
1. set aside other things
2. comfort - take it seriously
3. respond - make the sort of noises that you show you understand
4. watch your face - don't look horrified, even if you feel it
5. inform them of the real state of affairs - especially if they are fearful
6. be positive about the situation
7. watch their behavior - their non-verbal communication
8. check the other side's story before acting

Don't...
1.  laugh at them or their fears
2.  ignore what they are trying to tell you
3.  over-react to what you are told
4.  criticize their feelings
5.  interrupt them
6.  compare them to their siblings
7.  say "I'm too busy"
8.  embarrass them in front of others

(From the book Families on the Move)