I’ll keep this brief because what I really want you to do is spend time with your child (or children) asking THEM some questions.
We can get so caught up in the daily to-dos that we are only doing what we HAVE TO do, and not what we WANT TO do.
I have a desire to connect more with each of my children, and part of that has been setting down my phone, pushing aside my to-do list, letting the laundry pile a little higher than normal (I’m not sad about this), and focusing on them for a while. No other distractions. Well, for the most part. I have had these conversations while washing and drying dishes with a kiddo because old habits die hard and this momma can’t help but multitask (I really want to give this up as a part of my mission to be more mindful).
Ask the questions. I don’t know what might come up, but I’m telling you you’ve got to hold any desire you have to immediately fix the problem, or get worked up, and just let them speak to you for a while. You might ask something like “what do you think would help?” “How could you handle this in a kind way that makes you proud of yourself, while being the best version of yourself?” I definitely have to ask myself that sometimes.
Ages 2-5
What do you think makes you SO special? Because you are, very, very special.
Which toy is your most favorite?
What did you dream about? Note: They may not understand a dream or remember, but I bet you they will answer this question and it will blow your mind.
Ages 5-10
You know how God gives each of us a special gift, something we’re good at? What do you think YOUR special gift is?
Which snack makes you happy?
What is something you want to try to do?
Ages 10-20
What kind of foods do you think we should make next week? Are you craving anything special?
I know you are around a lot of people at different times during the week. Do you feel like everyone is treating you kindly?
What is a new skill you want to work on, or something you already kind of know how to do, but you want to get better at? How can I help you with this?
I could easily come up with 20 questions, but this is just a starter. I hope you will add your own as your conversation progresses.
What would you add to these lists?
Leave a Reply