Connection

I hope as a parent you are taking time each day to “connect” with your child.  We sometimes take for granted that just because we are together, that counts as connection.  But quality time and truly connecting looks a bit different.  

One way you can connect is by asking questions.  But you have to ask the right questions.  For example if you just say, “Did you have a good day at school?”  Usually they will say yes or no.  Then the conversation stops.  But if you say, “What surprised you today?”  or “What made you happy today?”  or even “What friend did you play with today?  What did you play?”  Those are all questions that require some thought and more than a one word answer.  With older children, you can even say, “How did you decide that, like what made you decide to wear that dress today?”  Or, “What challenged you today?”  Again, encouraging them to explain to you more with their answers.  

Questions are a great way to probe into their precious brains to truly know them better and guide them better.  Then maybe you could say, “Ask me some questions.”  This gives them a chance to learn to listen and share conversation which is a great life skill to have.  In our preschool lingo, it is  called “serve and return.”  I like that term because it takes two exchanging words to make that happen.

Connection is extremely important in this day and age of technology.   Too often our child is on a tablet or phone looking down and not being aware of the wonderful world around them.  God made us for connection and fellowship with each other.  So let’s teach our children to look into our eyes and talk with us, even if it is for only 15 minutes a day.  Hopefully it is much more than that, but as with many things in life, we have to be intentional to take the time to make sure it happens.  How can you be more intentional with connection beginning today?