Ask for Feedback … from Your Kids to make you a better parent

This is a piece from Havard Business Review, it makes for very interesting reading taking feedback from the children to improve your parenting, a skill that is not taught in school. Would it work in our African setting? What do you think, share your views

Performance evaluations are a routine part of our work lives. But if you’re a working parent, it’s unlikely that you ask for the same kind of feedback at home. It may sound a little silly, but following the best practices you’d use in the workplace to solicit upward feedback from your children can be a great way to help you identify ways you can improve as a parent — as well as what you should continue doing.

First, set a specific time and place for the conversation, and provide your kids with specific questions to answer in advance, such as:

• What do I do that you like or that you’d like to see more of?
• What do I do that you don’t like or that has a negative impact on you?
• What would make me a better parent?

During the conversation, reassure your kids that you’re listening with an open mind, and manage your emotions so you’re not tempted to react defensively. When they’re done answering your questions, thank them, and summarize what you’ve heard before reacting.

And finally, be specific about what you plan to change. Follow up with them once a month to check in on progress. There’s always room to improve, both at work and at home, but you need feedback to make that happen.

@HBR

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