Listen Between the Lines

From the time my kids were tiny, I talked to them. When they cried, I whispered in their ears. When they cooed I asked them to tell me more of their stories. I announced when I was going to pick them up or wipe their nose. I talked them through things they didn’t like, and explained what things they did like. Yes, I was criticized and told I talk too much and even told my children couldn't understand me (duh). I never even gave into the baby talk – as stinkin’ cute as it is – I just didn’t do it. That received frequent comments as well. I was also called the baby whisperer and kid communicator.

I just believe in communicating with them.

Once they were old enough to begin to understand (6 months), I taught them sign language and expected them to communicate back to me.

And then I had to practice the art of listening.

I talk better than I listen on most days. (can I get an Amen?)

This week LISTEN BETWEEN THE LINES.

Big kids: When your child says something or asks a question, respond with a question. Why do you ask that? What made you think of that? What is your favorite part of that story? What do you think the answer is? Does it make you think of God?

Little kids: (usually called a whisper) Ask your baby questions. Lots of questions. And then tell them God knows the answers.

*This past year the families at Peachtree Presbyterian Church took the challenge together to look at choosing your faith in Jesus as a keepsake to be intentionally handed down to your kids. Part of that process included weekly emails to encourage bringing God into the center of our normal lives. These posts include some of those weekly emails and will continue as my Keepsake Token section.