We’ve all probably seen a clip or two from past shows of Kids say the Darndest things. Here’s a cute little guy with Bill Cosby.
The thing that made this show work was that the host would ask the children a simple question and then sit back and listen. Not only can the results be hilarious, they can also be very enlightening for the adult listening!
Every wise parent will learn to make time to ask questions and then be still and listen to their child(ren). Taking time to be one-on-one with your children is important. Whether it’s a structured time where one parent takes a child out for an ice cream or they have one child with them to run errands or in the kitchen to make cookies, the key is to not do all the talking. We tend to want to lecture and always be teaching. There are times for that, of course, but it’s important to listen as much as we talk. Proverbs 18:13 reminds us that, He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him. There is wisdom is listening before we start talking.
Here are a few good questions you could ask your child at times when you are alone:
- How do you know God loves you?
- How do you know Mom and Dad love you?
- What is the most important thing you could tell another child your age?
- What is the best thing about our church?
- Is there anything that makes you fearful?
- What do you think the Lord wants you to do with your life?
- What do you think Jesus is trying to teach you right now?
- If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
- What is the best verse you’ve heard from the Bible? Why?
- What is your favorite book? Why?
- Are there any questions you have about heaven? God? The Bible?
As a child nears their teenage years, it’s so important to keep an open door of communication with them concerning the opposite sex, the changes happening in their body, dating, marriage and what the Bible says about sex. They will have questions, and if they don’t feel they can come to you, they’ll talk to their friends and get wrong information.
A wise parent is a listening one. Did your parents keep the communication lines open to you? How will you intentionally keep them open to your child?
With love,
P.S. Be sure to write down the things they say that you don’t want to forget – the funny things as well as the profound!
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