This concept was created by Hand-in-Hand Parenting. One person talks first, while the other listens. Eye contact, nodding, verbal acknowledgements (hmm, aha) are encouraged, but not words, even if the speaker is silent for a while. After the speaker finishes (start with 5 minutes), the listener asks clearing questions. For example, “What did you have for breakfast?”, “What colour is your top?” Questions that are easy to answer and take the speaker out of the reflective state. Then the listener becomes the speaker. At the end of the allotted time, the new listener asks clearing questions. Rather than chatting afterwards, you could repeat the process or agree to have another listening partnership soon.
This process encourages deep listening. It can be freeing for the listener to not have to think about…
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The Green Parent (Digital) - 1 Issue, August - September 2024