Put the Ball in His Court
Theme of the Week: Really Listen to Your Children
Friday, July 10, 2009
 1 of 1
Key Bible Verse: I don't want what you have—I want you… . I will gladly spend myself and all I have for you (2 Corinthians 12:14,15). Bonus Reading: Proverbs 4:1-13
I could discuss almost anything with one of my sons while we were together doing something with a ball—playing catch with a baseball or football, shooting hoops, or kicking a soccer ball back and forth. And while the goal wasn't always to turn that 15 to 30 minutes into a sermon or counseling opportunity, I learned that I didn't want to miss out on the chance to get him talking, either. All I did was come up with one question to ask, like:
"What's the best thing about school these days? The worst?"
"Who's your best friend now? Why?"
"Is there anything about Mom that bugs you?"
"Have I done anything lately that has made you mad?"
"How do you like spending time with … ?" (Name a grandparent or some other relative he's close to.)
"What do you think you're really good at?"
"What would you like to be good at?"
Adjust your questions to your son's age and maturity level. Start out with easy yes or no questions. Remember that silence is okay. And don't make any time predictable (try not to let him suspect that you're using fun things with him to get him talking).
—Greg Johnson in Dad's Everything Book for Sons
My Response: In my family, an activity that lends itself to relaxed communication is …
Thought to Apply: I think kids are like clams. They only open up every once in a while, and it's the job of a good parent to be there when they do. —Robert Reich
Adapted from Dad's Everything Book for Sons (Zondervan, 2003) by permission.
Copyright © 2009 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.
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Lord, help me learn ways to interact with my children that go beyond surface conformity to heart motivation.
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