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  • 6/17/2025
“Children Feel Ignored How to Make Elders Feel Heard Too Family Psychology Tips”
Transcript
00:00Ever feel like your child is tugging at your sleeve, desperate for your attention,
00:04while your aging parent quietly trails off, their words lost in the hum of daily life?
00:10There's a silent struggle happening in so many families,
00:14a tension between kids who shout to be seen and elders who grow quieter,
00:18fading gently into the background. It's not always intentional, but when someone feels
00:23overlooked, whether young or old, the sting is real. Today, let's explore how to
00:29truly listen, so everyone in your family feels valued, heard, and connected. In every home,
00:36each person longs for the feeling of being noticed and understood. Children, bursting with energy and
00:42curiosity, often clamor for attention in ways that are impossible to ignore. They might interrupt,
00:48act out, or repeat themselves, hoping for a moment of your undivided focus. Meanwhile, elders,
00:56grandparents, aging parents may not demand the spotlight. Instead, they often wait patiently,
01:03sometimes letting their stories or needs slip quietly into the background, unsure if anyone
01:07is really listening. The result? Misunderstandings build. Kids may feel dismissed, acting out even
01:14more to be noticed. Elders can become silent, withdrawing as they feel invisible. Over time,
01:21these small gaps erode trust and warmth in the family. When both ends of the age spectrum feel
01:27unseen, resentment can quietly take root, making genuine connection harder to find. But here's the truth.
01:35Fixing this isn't always about spending more hours together. It's about the quality of the attention you
01:40give. The way you listen, right in those everyday moments. So, what does true, active listening look
01:47like? It's not just nodding along while your phone buzzes in your hand. And it's not waiting for your
01:53turn to jump in with your own story. Real listening is about presence, putting distractions aside,
02:00turning your body and your mind toward the person in front of you. It's curiosity, asking questions
02:07that show you care about their thoughts and feelings. And most importantly, it's validation.
02:13Letting them know their words matter. Imagine your child is sharing a wild, imaginative story.
02:19Instead of brushing it off, you lean in and say,
02:22That sounds fun. Tell me more.
02:25Or your parent reminisces about a memory from decades ago. You respond,
02:32That must have been meaningful. What happened next? In these moments, you're not just hearing.
02:39They're feeling honored, respected, and cherished. How can you make this kind of listening a regular
02:44part of family life? Here are three simple ways to balance your attention and make everyone feel
02:50seen. First, schedule spotlight time every day. Just five or ten minutes of one-on-one,
02:56undistracted time with your child or aging parent can work wonders.
03:00Even short, focused moments build long-term trust and show that they matter more than the endless
03:06to-do list. Second, reflect back what you hear. Try saying,
03:11So you felt proud when you fixed that, right?
03:14White.
03:15Ice team, or you were worried because things changed so much.
03:19This simple act shows you're truly listening and care about their emotions and experiences.
03:25Third, let them lead the conversation. Instead of steering the talk, ask,
03:29What would you like to share with me today? Giving them control builds confidence and
03:35deepens your connection. It's not about having all the answers. It's about making space for their
03:41voice. In our busy world, real listening is one of the greatest gifts you can offer.
03:47When you tune in with your heart, giving both children and elders your full attention,
03:52you're telling them,
03:53You matter. You belong. You are loved. Think back. What's one moment when you felt truly heard?
04:00Hold on to that feeling and pass it on.
04:04Because every person, young or old, deserves to feel seen.

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