{"id":7935,"date":"2025-01-30T23:59:01","date_gmt":"2025-01-30T23:59:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thetabletalkproject.org\/?p=7935"},"modified":"2025-01-30T23:59:02","modified_gmt":"2025-01-30T23:59:02","slug":"what-does-it-mean-to-truly-listen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thetabletalkproject.org\/what-does-it-mean-to-truly-listen\/","title":{"rendered":"What does it mean to truly listen?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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We might have been there\u2014sitting at the dinner table, nodding along while someone talks, but not really hearing<\/em> them. Maybe our mind is on work, or we\u2019re distracted by our phone, or we\u2019re just waiting for our turn to speak. And when that happens, something powerful is lost: the connection that only comes when we feel truly heard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Listening isn\u2019t just about hearing words\u2014it\u2019s about understanding, valuing, and responding in a way that makes the other person feel seen. And in families, where relationships are built on trust and communication, how<\/em> we listen can make all the difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, how do we create an environment where we are fully present for each other? How do we teach our kids (and ourselves) to listen in a way that strengthens relationships?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Get Rid of Distractions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s no secret that distractions kill good conversations. Phones, TV, and even background noise can pull attention away from the person speaking. At The Table Talk Project, we encourage families to make the dinner table a distraction-free zone<\/em>. That means putting devices away (other than the one using the ‘Back at the Table’ tool<\/a> use to ask the questions. However these can be printed to), turning off notifications, and giving each other the gift of full attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A simple phrase like \u201cI really want to hear you, so let me put this away first\u201d<\/em> sets the tone for deeper engagement. When we model this, our kids learn that listening means being present<\/em>\u2014not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Use Body Language That Says \u2018I\u2019m Listening\u2019<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Imagine sharing something important with someone who won\u2019t meet your eyes, keeps looking at their watch, or crosses their arms. It sends a message: I\u2019m not really here with you.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Body language plays a huge role in how we communicate. To show that you\u2019re fully engaged:<\/p>\n\n\n\n