Such a great question. I turned it on myself and asked. I got my answer 🥹. I’m interested in hearing my kid’s responses. Encouraging truth-telling is really good. It opens parents up to vulnerability, because what if your kids truth has something to do with them? I’ve had a couple of those conversations and they are not easy, but necessary for open communication.
The follow-up question we told them to be thinking about is what have they been created to do? Where are their particular interests and strengths leading them?
Oh this is so beautiful. I could see you sitting there and feel how beautifully difficult that conversation could be but how vital and connective too. I especially loved this, “ So much of our acting out, as children and as adults, comes from a frustration at not being able to tell the truth.” And the idea of a baptism of sorts. The last two paragraphs just sing. Thank you!
Shawn, the thought that crossed my mind as I read this holy recollection was about the goodness and grace of God to continue to teach us as we parent our children, no matter how old they are.
We are never too old to learn how to tell the truth, and yours and Maile's wisdom is a rich discovery. Thank you for the encouragement.
So glad you were able to have that time together. One of my biggest disappointments in the last few years has been realizing how much of our kids' lives involved hiding, lying, and covering up over the late teen/early adult years. Sometimes I wish we could all sit together and tell the truth. But I also know it would be excruciating.
Such a great question. I turned it on myself and asked. I got my answer 🥹. I’m interested in hearing my kid’s responses. Encouraging truth-telling is really good. It opens parents up to vulnerability, because what if your kids truth has something to do with them? I’ve had a couple of those conversations and they are not easy, but necessary for open communication.
Definitely not easy, but they can be so freeing.
Love this question. Thank you for sharing the idea and your experience. You continue to inspire on multiple fronts.
Thanks, Ryan.
Thank you for this beautiful well told story. Your children are fortunate to have you and Maile as parents… who take time to live this life. 💞
Well, we're doing our best :)
A great question for conversation. Thanks for the inspiration. Love this as a way to encourage honesty and vulnerability.
What's on deck for the next fireside chat?
The follow-up question we told them to be thinking about is what have they been created to do? Where are their particular interests and strengths leading them?
Oh this is so beautiful. I could see you sitting there and feel how beautifully difficult that conversation could be but how vital and connective too. I especially loved this, “ So much of our acting out, as children and as adults, comes from a frustration at not being able to tell the truth.” And the idea of a baptism of sorts. The last two paragraphs just sing. Thank you!
Thanks, Jocelyn.
Shawn, the thought that crossed my mind as I read this holy recollection was about the goodness and grace of God to continue to teach us as we parent our children, no matter how old they are.
We are never too old to learn how to tell the truth, and yours and Maile's wisdom is a rich discovery. Thank you for the encouragement.
(PS your children have turned into giants!)
Thanks, Jody, and yes, they are giants now :)
Beautiful! Thank you
Thanks, Susan.
So glad you were able to have that time together. One of my biggest disappointments in the last few years has been realizing how much of our kids' lives involved hiding, lying, and covering up over the late teen/early adult years. Sometimes I wish we could all sit together and tell the truth. But I also know it would be excruciating.
Sometimes we have to take baby steps in that direction.
I love this so much, friend
Thanks, Lore. Hopefully soon you and Nate will be getting pulled into these conversations!
I love this so much. (I also love Auntie Anne’s!! 🥨)
Thanks, Marla.
Appreciate it, Linda.