2 Ears 1 Mouth

From infancy, I have adopted this philosophy with my children by implementing his ‘Speak Once Listen Twice’ philosophical lesson. We do indeed have two ears and one mouth and by balancing our responses to situations by using them effectively will lead to better communication skills, understanding and decision making.

I spent a few years as a toddler on my grandparent’s farm. My grandmother had a unique sense of humour and would often say, “Wild and domesticated animals spend most of their time listening. A deer knows to always be alert for predators just as well as cows listen out for when their trough is being filled with water. If they did not perfect their listening skills they would either go hungry or end up as dinner.”

Listening helps children learn that they are not only loved, but their opinion and view of things matter no matter how insignificant or hard it may be. Listening also helps us soak in other people’s viewpoint even when we are in disagreement. A person is more likely to reason with you if you show that you have been listening to them. Everyone makes mistakes and by showing our vulnerability as adults by apologising and acknowledging when we have misread a situation i.e. when we walk in on the children having an argument.  This has helped us foster an environment where as a family we know all our feelings matter and to listen to all sides before responding. The world out there may be harsh and unfavourable but change starts from within the family. Listening twice as much before responding can easily be applied to most situations and not just parenting.

If you listen to your body, you will know when you are full and not overeat,

If you listen, you will know when to drink,

If you listen, you will sense when you are ill,

If you listen, you will know when you need to slow the traffic in your mind and get some rest,

If you listen as you speak you will know when your words have gone too far and caused harm,

If you listen, you will form better connections with the people around you.

So guess what I am going to say… Listen.

Ahabi Love