Some things are so simple- but not easy!
Talking less and listening more are some of those things!
Everyone wants to feel special, to feel heard and to feel important. But how do we do this? How do we meet everyone’s needs in a way that is meaningful to them?
I’ve heard it said that our kids’ love language is spelled T-I-M-E. Isn’t it true?! Children need time to be listened to, to be heard and to be understood. It takes time to love. This is just as true with our spouses and friends as well.
Here are a few questions I have found that keep my kids talking about what really is important to them! Ask the question, then wait for the answers to come! And make sure that when you ask you have time to really listen!
1) What do you like best about____(fill-in-the-blank with one of their favorite activities, school subjects or friends)?
2) Really? Why? Tell me more!
3) Is there anything you don’t like about____(same as above)?
4) No? Why is that?
Simple, open-ended questions make it easy for kids to keep talking about what is meaningful to them. Only a few minutes of this creates such a positive, safe environment for them. They trust you, are happier- and have a nice, full love tank!
And when the love tank is full, children are much more cooperative. And that makes us mamas happy!
The beginning of good communication is honouring the people around us. And one simple- though not always easy- way to show our honour to one another is to slow down and listen!
Next week- how we respond to what we’ve heard in such a way that our kids, spouses and friends will feel special and important!
Laundry Mom~Kali ♥
Yes! Kali, sometimes doing the simple thing is the HARDEST!! I totally agree!! Especially as a mom of many!! We do juggle so many tasks and children, slowing down to simply listen must be a determined CHOICE!! I make it a point to get to eye level and match my expression to whatever they are telling me. Typing on the computer and listing at the same time cannot be the main way we listen. Great post.
Just spent some great facetime with young kids. Thanks!
[…] Last week I shared how important it is for us as moms to tune in and listen to the little people in our lives. And I mentioned I’d add more this week about how I’ve learned to communicate with our kids so that they understand their value and feel loved. But I was reminded this week that there’s more to add about listening. […]