Listening to Your Children

First of all, let me say this is being written to remind me to be better at this not to pick on anyone I know.  I actually had a dream last night about writing this post so obviously I need it too!

I keep hearing from my mom friends that they worry about the communication that occurs between their children and dads.  Dads try to be funny but sometimes don't understand that what is funny to them might be scary from the child's view.  Kids see things so much more black and white and trust you so much that they believe what you say and it takes them until they are older to understand the sarcasm.  

I have talked to dads and moms that admit that there are times they do not hear what their children are saying. They start to tune out the words their children speak.  We all do it from time to time!

Parents, take a moment and think how you would feel if you wanted to tell someone something very important to you and that person had their head in some kind of phone, computer or tablet and never looked up. Would you be frustrated?  Then let's not expect less from our beautiful children. 

It is so important in this day and age that we put focus on our children and listen to them.  They need to feel comfortable to tell us anything and if they feel we are not going to listen they will stop talking.  One day before long they will be at a stage where they will not want to talk to us anyway and that is when we will want to hear from them the most.  Build the relationship now while they are young so you don't lose it later.

Take some time with your child today without some kind of device or other distraction. Hug them next to you. Focus on their smiling faces and listen to every word. You might learn something.