It's Just A Phase...Don't Miss It Week #2
You can not rewind your kids life! You can't "Fall" back and get an extra hour. Truth!! However, you can pause at significant moments and celebrate what is happening while it is still happening. Let's take a look at the day in the life of a child and discover some new ways to connect in positive ways. Remember the basic principal of this series: if you don't miss out on your kid's life, then maybe your kid won't miss out on some important things about life.
Morning Time
Let's face it , most mornings are not always sunshine, lollipops and rainbows. Sometimes showing up and being part of the morning does not have to be in the physical or verbal forms. Truth be known, sometimes the less physical/verbal interaction the better.... I'm referring to middle and high school sweeties.
When you connect positively in the Morning Time, you can instill purpose and give fuel for their day.
Leaving written messages for all to see is a great way to be part of the morning madness. If you have multiple bathrooms then leave multiple messages. Here is one BIG OLE RULE !!! Do not write, please remember to flush!!!
Drive Time
If you kept a record of how much time you spend with your kids each day in the car, it would become very clear that drive time is an excellent opportunity for sharing, discovery and investigation. If you car pool, kiddos are more likely to "spill the beans" as they discuss the days events. Take a drive time check up. How quickly do the earbuds go in the ears? How much of their day are they sharing? How much of your day do you share with them? Every now and again throw in an element of surprise. Pick a day when you can take a quick detour to get some ice cream or whatever the favorite treat is. Have a strategy of being part of the "ride." When you leverage Drive Time, you can interpret life during informal conversations as you travel.
Meal Time
Elementary kiddos love, love for visitors to show up at lunch time in the cafeteria. Lunch time with a table of First graders can be very enlightening. Observing your child in social situations with their peers can be an eye opener.
Bed Time
Bed time can be just as challenging as morning time. No matter if your child is three or thirteen, both need to end the day knowing they are valued and loved. Too many kids grow up and miss experiencing God's unconditional love and forgiveness. For that teenager that slams the bedroom door behind them, perhaps a note of affirmation slid under the door reminding them of their worth. For that toddler that simply refuses to end the day, perhaps a few minutes of relaxing music together in a comfy chair embracing when the child is yearning to know if they are safe and loved. Engage the imagination of the seven year old. Stories under the sheets with a flashlight is always popular.
When you pause at Bed Time, you strengthen your relationship through heart conversations.
The average educator will spend over 5,000 hours studying child development before they try to teach a class . That's a lot of homework.
A typical pediatrician will spend ten years and nearly half a million dollars so they can practice medicine with children. That's a big investment.
The manufacturer of the top selling toy, Barbie, will spend an estimated $6000,000,000 a year to win the heart of a typical eight-year-old girl. That's a lot of ads.
The point is sometimes it takes a lot of time, effort and investment if you want to have influence with kids.
No one has the potential to influence your son or daughter like you. Do you feel the pressure?And it can be confusing. You are a mix of teacher, coach, counselor and friend. So here are some items to add to your job description:
1. EMBRACE the physical needs of your child developing security and confidence.
2. ENGAGE in their interests.
3. AFFIRM their personal journey, showing up consistently to give stability.
4. MOBILIZE the potential of your child, guiding and setting examples as they develop values and passions.
A peek at next week...Don't miss Sunday! Connect your kids to other caring adults who will treat them like they are made in the image of God. A church has the potential to connect your son or daughter to a caring leader who believes in their future like you do.
www.ThinkOrange.com
www.JustAPhase.com
