Talking about life
October 14th, 2008
In the course of the day, with meals to cook, messes to clean up, and homework to do, it seems inappropriate to talk to your children about those deeper issues of life.
Yet, as days and months pass, pants get outgrown and the training wheels are off, it seems inappropriate to not have talked to your children about those deeper issues of life.
I’ve found that the best time and place to talk is at bedtime. As I lay on my children’s bed to say good night, we pray and we talk. In the darkness relaxed and eyes closed, we quietly reflect on our day.
“Were you a little jealous of your friend today when she got a better grade than you?”
“It’s ok to not be the best in your class. I still love you.”
“I remember when I was in 7th grade, all the girls had a crush on the Social Studies teacher…”
“You know that daddy’s business has not been good. I want you to know ahead of time that we won’t be able to take a vacation this year. But we can think of other things we can do for fun.”
“I noticed you’ve been looking a bit down lately. What’s going on?”
Bedtime is a good time for heart to heart talks.
Photo by ktylerconk
Comments
Good reminder. I find I’m so tired by bedtime, that I just want to end the day quickly and go flop on my bed. I seem to do better taking the kids out somewhere during daylight and letting conversations happen.
When they were younger I made a ritual of bedtime and I’m so glad I did. I just need to recommit to it again I think.
Thanks again.
Pete: That works too. You’re a good dad to take the effort to connect with your boys.
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