One of the reasons that adults can’t effectively communicate with kids is because they expect kids to come up to their level. It’s just not possible. Parents have got to understand it is they who must get to the level of the child.

The only way for a parent to be on the same level of a child is to enter their world. This may sound very strange but you must try and see the world through the eyes of your child.

For example, if you usually stand over your child when trying to communicate just think of how you look. To your little one you look like a giant and if you are talking in a loud and intimidating manner you look frightening. Of course this is not what you want so why not try a different approach. Bend down until you can look into his or eyes when talking and don’t sound threatening - keep the tone of your voice even.

If your child is scared of an imaginary monster under the bed or in the closet - don’t laugh. This will make your child feel ridiculed. You must understand your child is genuinely afraid. Acknowledge his or her fear and ease the anxiety by looking under the bed and inside the closet. If necessary, leave on a night lamp.

Your pre-teen may insist that green nail polish is the coolest thing on the planet. It may look ridiculous to you but to a pre-teen looking cool is starting to become very important. Allow your child to wear green polish (no matter how much it kills you to do so) on the weekends only. Hopefully, the trend won’t last too long.

The only way a parent can make the right decisions regarding a child is to try seeing the world from the child’s point of view. This does not mean giving in to every request but making a sensible decision that takes into account what affects his or her world.