Celebrate Talking with Your Kids

Talking with our kids is an opportunity to connect with them. It's a time when we can just listen without being "a know it all". It let's them know that we're interested in what they have to say. This is especially important during those preteen and teenage years.

Here's some ideas for starting conversations:
*Ask open ended questions, "What's your favorite sandwich?" "What do you with $100?"

Ask them to look over your yearbooks with you. Marcus couldn't believe it when he saw his dad with sideburns and long hair. Or his mom in bell bottoms and platform shoes. "No way is that you!" he said.

Talk with your kids about what your first job, car or date was like. Preteens and teens will get a treat out of this one.

Ask them what they want to be when they grow up. Tell them what you wanted to be when you grew up. I actually remember my list...an airline stewardess, teacher or a mom. I got one of those off the list right.