Simple Listening-Less Talking

“Did you enjoy practice?” “Yeah”

“What did you learn today in school?”

Universal Answer-“Nothing”

Conversations never seemed to end when they are younger. Conversations never seemed to start when they became teens.

If I had any advise I would give a parent today it would be…..talk to your kids, but do more listening.

Kids today have so many pressures. The world throws so much temptation their way. Movies, television, books, peers, and other things that are not concerned with God in any way, shape or form. They seem to have to make decisions at an earlier age on major things. We must give them God’s viewpoint on the world…we may be the only one to do that in their world.

My kids always heard this scripture: “Finally, brothers whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, what ever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

They heard it so much that I think they came to expect it at every teachable moment I came upon.

“Should I go see this movie?” “Well, remember…whatever is true..” “I know, I know Mom.”

Talk to your kids. Listen to your kids.

It is truly easy when they are younger, because all they want to do is talk. But as they get older they have a tendency to not talk as much. But parents…wait for it. Don’t assume that when you pick them up from school they are ready to talk. Wait for it. Let them bring things up….the car seems to be such a neutral zone, a place of safety for chatting!

When they are teens, you are already waiting up…so be there to listen when they get in….

I know that sometimes during the day I would be busy and the kids would come and want to talk about something..I had to learn how to stop and quit being busy at those times, even if it was inconvenient for me. Sometimes I made them wait out of respect for me…but you get the idea.

Stop and listen.

Can I say that we talked enough? No
Can I say that I listened each and every time? No
Can I say that they always took my advice? No
Can I say that I was able to protect them from any hurt and pain the world had to offer? No

But I did learn that when they wanted to talk…I listened. And sometimes that is all that I did…listen. If I gave them too much advice they clammed up and I wasn’t listening anymore. Choose your responses carefully.

I think that was practice for me as they became adults!

SO……….

Keep the line of communication open.

If they aren’t talking to you…they are talking to someone. And if you aren’t listening…rest assured someone is.

~Be Blessed
IN CHRIST ALONE