A lot of parents ask us about our tool for parents, the Listening Partnership, about how they should run and what they should sound like, so this week on the podcast Elle and Abigail give a demonstration of the tool.

New to Listening Partnerships? What Are They Anyway and How Do They Help Parents De-stress?

Listen Partnerships are one of Hand in Hand's five parenting tools and is the only tool to focus on parent self-care. These sessions can really help lighten the load!

Parents can use the tool as a space to air their confusions, stress or parenting challenges, with a parent who listens without offering solutions, for a set amount of time, before switching turns.

The tool is an excellent resource for parents, and allows them to clear blocked thoughts and emotions so that they can return to their families with renewed energy and enthusiasm for the tough role of parenting!

Abigail and Elle have both come to value the immense effect Listening Time can have on helping them in their parenting.

What Does a Listening Partnership Sound Like?

But lots of parents wonder about how LIstening Time really works or what a Listening Partnership "should" sound like. So, this week, Elle and Abigail switch listening time, with each focusing on parenting through the summer. Join us as we:

• Set up the listening partnership turns and timing
• Decide who records the time
• Share our feelings on summer
• Wrap up the Listening Time with a question for one another

If you've been reluctant or nervous to begin a Listening Partnership, or you've had doubts or worries about "doing it right," we hope you'll enjoy hearing to how this listening time unfolds and feel inspired to dive in.

More Resources About Hand in Hand's Tool of Listening Partnerships

Read about how Listening Partnerships can reduce stress and transform parenting

Get tips for your own Listening Time in Establishing Good Listening Partnerships and Knowing When to Move On

If you'd like to find a Listening Partner, join our Parent's Support Group on Facebook where lots of parents post looking for Listening Partnerships.

Learn the science behind why this kind of listening is so effective in this online class on Building a Listening Partnership with Hand in Hand founder Patty Wipfler. Find out how to select what topics will serve you best, and how to listen and respond well to a Listening Partner. Over 25 video and audio examples take you through the process step by step.

keep connected

We’d love to hear about your parenting challenges. You can follow Hand in Hand on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram. Be sure to drop Elle and Abigail a message at [email protected]

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