October Edition

Talking to your kids can be a
challenge, with one word
answers like fine, ok etc etc.
Here are a few hints that seem
to be effective:
Establish a regular time and place
Maybe it’s dinner time, but whatever time
or place you choose make it regular and
the same so your kids know what to
expect. And get rid of all distractions,
television, iPads, phones, etc etc. Don't be
satisfied with asking, "How was your day?"
Go the extra step to open lines of
communication.
Get creative
How was your day? Is a fine question; it's
just bland. Try to get creative. Spice up the
questions a little bit:
• Tell me something unusual that
happened today.
• What was the most amazing thing that
happened at school today?
• Complete this sentence: My day would
have been more exciting if...
• You could also have your kids write their
own questions. Place their questions in a
bowl and have each person draw a
question to answer. For more fun, play the
"Telephone Game." Have a child privately
share something about his or her day and
then pass it on. When it gets back to that
child, see how much the original
"conversation" has changed.
Be specific
Ask about specific relationships. Ask about
tests. Ask about what you talked about the
previous night. Show your kids that you
not only care, but also that you remember.
Have fun
Sometimes the day really was just fine.
That's fine - even if you don't want it to be.
It's during those fine times that you can
branch out and talk about upcoming family
events, holidays, and other stuff.
In the end, the all these
conversations are about
reminding your children that their
first outlet can and should be
their parents as well as our first
outlet is our Father, who always
listens and cares.