Frisbee Anyone?

If you are like me, you have parenting moments when you realize that have missed the mark. My intention is to make time for each of our three children and have a great conversation. I know that communication is important and yet I find myself communicating is some undesirable ways: texting, leaving a voice message, and yes, even Facebook. I’ve been known to Facebook my kids to tell them to get off Facebook and go to bed. I figure, hey, it IS communicating. But if I am completely honest, I know that I should be communicating in a much more personal way.

I want to practice real conversation. And in order to do that, I must be a great listener. Think about the Frisbee. Because of the size and shape of the Frisbee, it can be awkward to throw. If you really know what you are doing, you know you have to put just the right amount of spin on it to get it to the other player. Our conversations with our kids can be just like that. Here is what I mean:

• You have to focus on the other player.
• You have to pay attention.
• You need to anticipate what’s going to happen next.
• If it isn’t going where it should be, you have to be ready to leap toward it.
• Lastly, you have to be ready for the catch.

You see, a good game of Frisbee can be a like a good conversation with your child. We just have to be willing to practice it over and over again, so we that we can become skilled at the art of listening.