Ask Your Children Questions...LOTS of questions
1:37 PMHeatherI am good at giving lectures. Too good. Just ask my children. In fact, my middle child was quick to let me know this issue about as soon as he could talk. One day when he was about 2, I was giving him a lecture about who knows what. I got about 2 sentences into it when he put his little plump toddler fingers over my mouth and said, "Too many words, Mama. Too many words."
You'd think I would have quit while I was ahead. Um, a big N-O. Because I still tend to be Way. Too. Wordy. And, although I know that all they hear is Charlie Brown's teacher, I struggle to stop myself. Nothing has changed--it is still probably the least effective way to reach my middle child, not to mention his brother and sister.
Last spring, I hosted a book club for Six Ways to Keep the Little in Your Girl. SUCH a good read, Moms! You really must take the time to read this book that is a quick read and chock full of great, practical advice. And, no worries--Dannah Gresh's version for boys comes out in January 2012! Anyhoo, back on to the topic at hand. (SEE? TOO many words....)
One of the most practical parenting tips I gleaned from Dannah was to connect with your kids by asking them questions. Instead of talking to them, ask them for their opinion or thoughts during any and all conversations, at every opportunity. This draws them in, shows them their importance, and conveys respect for them. When I first read the book, I immediately put it into practice, and boy, did I see success!
This is still a habit I need to refine. Priscilla Shirer's study of Jonah was a vivid reminder of that fact. When I was reading Jonah 4, I saw that asking my children questions--especially to point them toward repentence--is truly a Biblical practice. Here is Jonah--fresh from the belly of the whale, probably still smelling like seaweed. And, instead of bowing to his Father's authority, he is throwing a fit because God had mercy on the Ninevites. Check it out!
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