Why Listening is Important

Jeannie Ann is a six-year-old girl who discovers her grandmother has breast cancer. The book offers a comprehensive explanation that helps young children understand the disease. It also covers certain aspects like how the disease forms, its treatment, and what a family member can do to provide support.

One important step we can all do to offer support is to listen. While it may seem too simple, there are actually many benefits that I've listed in my book.

Here are some explanations of why we need to listen to our loved ones, our doctors, and our family members:

1. It aids with communication. Listening is an integral part of communication. When we learn to listen, we can help our loved ones cope with their disease as they undergo treatment.

2. It offers safety and security. Communicating effectively helps ease the fears and anxieties your children or loved ones may experience. Listening allows them to express their emotions better because they know you won't misunderstand them.

3. It creates trust. Effective communication with loved ones, doctors, and children helps establish a sense of confidence. This strengthens our bonds and allows us to find a better care plan for our loved ones.

4. Creates validation. Listening to your children's feelings helps validate their worries, fears, and confusion. Additionally, active communication offers an opportunity to answer any potential questions they may have.

5. Offers assurance. Jeannie Anne thought that it was her fault her grandmother had cancer. Fortunately, her mother could quell her fears and worries by telling her the nature of the disease and how it progresses. When we learn to listen, we can help ease our children's concerns and provide an educational opportunity for them to understand the disease and its progress.

Listening is an essential element in any relationship. To learn more about teaching children the nature of cancer and its dangers, purchase a copy of my book on Amazon or send me a message.

by Diane Davies