Taking a walk with your kids is a perfect opportunity to discuss what is going on in their lives, and how they feel about life, too.

Including your child with learning disabilities on your walk gives him the chance to communicate in a natural way without the stress of sitting facing you in the living room, or being on display in the classroom.

To begin your walk, pick a path that is easy to navigate and if possible in nature, for the calming effect of flora and fauna. But, if that is not possible a walk across the city park or near your home is a comfortable plan; at least you are familiar with the surroundings.

Set out at a comfortable pace, swinging your arms in opposition, which means that when your left foot steps forward, your right arm swings forward - and when your right foot steps forward, your left arm swings forward.

Keep your breathing comfortable. If either of you seem to be out of breath, slow down your pace - the point here is you want to have enough breath to be able to talk while walking, rather than thinking of the walk as an aerobic exercise.

Alternately, walk for awhile at a brisk pace, then sit for a while and talk - on a park bench, on a boulder, on the grass, perhaps. The comfort of this close association between parent and child is an opportunity for sincere and open communication.

When you are both relaxed and feeling comfortable bring up the subject on your mind that you wish to talk about. State an open ended thought rather than a yes or no statement to encourage a response in conversation. After all, getting back yes or no to questions is not a sharing of ideas or feelings.

Listen to your child carefully with an open mind and compassionate attitude. Think back to what it felt like in your youth at times you were confused or not feeling in control, or didn't know how to get from point A. to point B. either in school work or communicating with teachers or peers.

Just this scenario is what this walk is for - creating a comfort zone for your child to express her feelings and thoughts in a safe and protected way.

After your child has shared their feelings and thoughts, give them the reassurance that together you will work things out and come to a good resolve for your child.

Use this walk and talk method as often as needed - it is an opportunity for one to one, parent - child bonding, too.

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Article by Susan Kramer