Mom Life Unfiltered: Connecting with Our Kids Through Understanding
Connecting with Our Kids Through Understanding
As moms, let’s be real—we’re not perfect. We have our moments, especially when the kids start hitting those transitional stages like puberty. You know, when one kid notices something, like a mustache, and suddenly it’s a family-wide topic. Before you know it, they’re all mimicking each other in a classic “monkey see, monkey do” scenario (or however that phrase goes!).
But through all the chaos, I’ve learned something: parenting isn’t just about teaching our kids; it’s about understanding them and learning to approach them in ways they’ll understand. If you’ve ever asked your kids to clean up their mess or do their chores only to feel like you’re talking to a wall, trust me—you’re not alone.
This time around, I picked up How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish. If you’ve read my previous posts, you’ll know that I believe in lifting everything up to God. Before starting this challenge, I prayed for enlightenment, for openness to what this book might teach me, and for the strength to apply it in my parenting.
The Power of Connection
The book emphasizes the importance of truly connecting with our kids, and few tips stood out that resonated within me:
Listen with full attention:
Put down the distractions and focus completely on your child. Acknowledge their feelings with a word: Even a simple “I see” can make them feel heard.
Give their feelings a name:
If they’re upset, say, “You seem frustrated,” to help them process their emotions.
Give them their wishes in fantasy:
If they ask for the impossible, acknowledge it playfully “Wouldn’t it be amazing if we had a magic wand to clean up? ”It’s so simple, yet these small changes in how we respond can create deeper bonds and open the door to better communication.
It’s Not Just for Parents
Here’s what’s amazing about this book: it’s not just for parents. Whether you’re a grandparent, babysitter, caretaker, homecare aid, or anyone responsible for a loved one, this book offers valuable insights. It can help anyone connect with the people they care for in a meaningful way.
Let’s Lift Each Other Up
Before diving into this challenge—or any parenting goal—remember to lift it up to God. Ask Him to guide you and open your heart to the lessons you’re meant to learn. Trust that He has a plan for you, your family, and that this journey will strengthen the bond He has intended for you.
Join Me on This Journey
I’ll be sharing more tips from this book as I go, and I’d love for you to join me. Read 10 pages a day with me. Let’s discuss the insights, share our experiences, and grow together as parents, sitters, caregivers, and more.
This journey isn’t just about better parenting; it’s about building better connections. So let’s take it one page, one prayer, and one step at a time. Have fun reading, and don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!
Here’s to growing stronger together!
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