“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:18 NIV
I have spent countless hours sitting across the table from a teenager while they poured their hearts out to me; sometimes, we talk about their plans for the future, but often they come to me with their life challenges and deepest fears.
While it breaks my heart, perhaps what makes my heart break even more is knowing they don’t feel comfortable having these conversations with their parents.
I am often asked, “How do you get them to open up to you?!”
Here are a few of my tips!
Taking time to listen to your children builds security in them.
Watch for signs that your child needs your attention or wants to talk.
- Our young ones often act out
- Tweens sometimes cop an attitude
- Older children may hang around the kitchen when you are cooking, waiting for an opportunity to talk.
Create time in your schedule to listen to our children
- Carpool
- Teens love to talk at bedtime
- Family time at the dinner table
If you can tell your child needs to talk but can’t get them to open up, try one of these:
- Take your boys out to lunch
- Girls enjoy coffee dates and shopping
When your children do confide in you,
- Give them your undivided attention
- Validate their feelings
- Do not share their conversation with your friends
One of the biggest times for connection is bedtime, especially when they become teens.
Our children, regardless of age, need to know they are valued.
And God chose you to be their parent.
You are exactly who your child needs, through the good and the bad.
Just keep showing up!
UNAFRAID
JOSHUA 1:9
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
OPPORTUNITY TO CONNECT ON A DEEPER LEVEL
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September 8-10, 2023
FOR MOMS AND DAUGHTERS 6TH – 12TH GRADE
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Little Strength, Big God
Speaker: Debbie Wilson
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2023
The Power of Communion
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Wednesday mornings beginning September 6, 2023
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