Talking with our kids has numerous benefits. Read on to learn why it matters SO much, plus a few tips for fitting it into your everyday life.
Ever since my son was born over 7 years ago, one of my very favorite things to do with him is talk. Obviously when he was a little baby, I was the one doing all the talking, but I even loved it then. I would talk and he would stare or drool. Eventually he would smile or laugh or coo. And as time went on, he eventually was able to talk with me. Now we LOVE to sit and chat!
I feel like as moms we hear a lot about playing with our kids, teaching our kids, disciplining our kids, and creating routines for our kids, but it’s not very often that we hear about talking with our kids. And I think it’s one of the best ways to make meaningful connections with them!
Think about it: the people you have the best connections with are people you probably love talking to and could spend hours chatting with, right? The same should go for our kids!
Here are 3 times you can fit meaningful conversations with your kids into your everyday life:
In the Morning
Talk about the day ahead. Better yet, do some affirmations with your kids. Set them up for success by starting their day off with positive statements. Discuss the day’s schedule. Talk about things they might be worried about. And, of course, tell them you love them. You can do this in their rooms when you wake them up, while they get ready, during breakfast, or in the car on the way to school.
After School
When your kids get home from school, put out a snack and talk with them about their day. If you have kids that don’t like to talk, try this trick I used on my son and his friend during carpool last year: ask them to tell you two things that happened at school and then make up a third thing that didn’t happen. Then you have to guess which one is made up! It’s a fun take on two truths and a lie and kids love it! I learned two things that happened that day per kid every time I tried it, whereas if I just asked, “What did you do at school today?” the answer was always, “Nothing.”
Another idea is to have a list of questions in a jar and have your kid pick one out when they get home. These can be about school, would you rather questions, silly questions, or random “about you” questions. This is a super fun tradition to apply to after school snack and help you get to know your kids better.
Before Bed
When you tuck your kids in at night, talk about the best and worst part of the day. Talk about the next day. Ask them about friends and school and sports and church. Ask them if they have any worries or questions. Laugh. Cry.
Some of our most meaningful conversations happen before bed and I always seem to learn something new about my son. I think I know everything about him–he’s my kid!–but then he goes and tells me something new. Sometimes these things break my heart. Sometimes they make my heart full. Sometimes they make me feel lucky or proud or concerned. But they always yield great information to help me better parent this amazing child I’m lucky enough to raise!
Talking is Important
Having meaningful conversations with our kids is SO important! And they’re never too young to start. Talk with your kids, really talk with them, and you’ll learn so much about these amazing kiddos.
What’s your favorite way to talk with your kids? I’d love to know in the comments below!
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Britney is a wife and mom with a passion for helping other women see the good inside of them. She loves podcasts, polka dots, and dancing around the kitchen with her family.