Adults, as well as children react more to non-verbal communication than to the spoken words.

Young children react more to non-verbal communication. This is because they are highly impressionable and are very adept at imitation. Parents, siblings and other people that come in contact with children usually influence how children behave, how they interact and how they communicate, whether it is verbal or non-verbal. Young children usually mirror the actions of adults and children older than them through observation. Adults are examples to very young children and many people still do not realize that non-verbal actions and messages create a deeper impression than verbal communication. Often a certain look given by the father or mother to a child is often interpreted as “you’ve been caught.”

Looking at how a person looks

As an adult, if someone says that they love you yet gives you a look of indifference, would you believe what they are saying? How many times have you felt that someone who gave you a hug actually was afraid of touch and was uncomfortable with the gesture? There are many gestures and actions that you can immediately interpret. Parents who are distracted while listening to their child or are always on the phone while talking to a youngster give the impression that that the child is not important or does not matter to them, even if they say that the child is important. When there is no eye contact when you talk to someone, or you keep busy with other things while talking, the other person instantly feels that he or she is being ignored.

More than words can convey

Non-verbal communication involves actions, eye contact, tone of voice and expressions, which is why this is more effective than what mere words can convey. Recipients of non-verbal communication can receive either positive or negative messages, and they stick to the subconscious, where the hidden details are stored. If children continuously receive negative messages, they will grow up to have low self-esteem.

Promoting healthy self-esteem via non-verbal communication

Age, parent-child interaction style, level of social awareness and culture all have a hand in the accuracy with which a child is able to interpret non-verbal signals. Building healthy self-esteem at a young age depends much on how you interact with your child. Here are a few examples:

• If your children are old enough to talk, make sure that you let them know that their point of view is important to you. Have eye contact with them and give them your full attention as you listen to your children talk. Act curious as they talk, as this will encourage them to tell you more and tell them that you are very interested in what they are telling you.

• A loving touch is a great self-esteem booster. Do not be afraid to show them your instinct to nurture. Add a smile and an upbeat voice when you talk and touch your children’s back or hand. Mirror how they move when they talk. If they like using their hands, do the same as you respond to them. Doing so will help you to establish better rapport with your children.

• Smile. It is one of the most effective methods to connect with your children without saying a word. Stay relaxed when you are with your children. This helps them stay relaxed as well.

• When you are telling them stories give them lots of expressions so they remain captivated.

When dealing with children as well as adults, just remember that body language and expressions convey more meaning than just words.