Listening to Your Kids

by Rich Andrews | More from this Blogger

12 Jun 2008 06:39 AM

Today I took my two girls with me on some errands. We were busy running from place to place. One of the places we went was a church. While I was taking care of some things at the church the girls saw some toys and other items they wanted. I was immediately resistive, but listened as they explained why they wanted a particular item. My 8-year-old, who is quite persistent, wanted to get a journal. I told the girls that if they took any new item with them, they must give away two things from home. Like many other homes we have too much stuff!

Later on that day when we arrived home I explained to my 8-year-old that having a journal was a great way to express her thoughts and feelings, but that she should be careful not to write anything too personal because she did not have a way to lock it up. She smiled like she understood and went away while dad did some work at home. She came back later to tell me what she wrote about in her journal. She smiled and read her journal entries to me. She wrote about how kind her parents were that they give her toys, food, and a nice house to live in.

I could not believe my eyes and ears. The very things she was thankful for are the same things that I have thanked God many times for providing to us during nighttime prayers with the girls. I was very glad at that point that I listened to the little voice inside my head earlier in the day and let her get the journal. My first inclination was to just tell the kids no more stuff. It was clear to me that my daughter was very happy that she could share her feelings about her family with her dad. Today I was reminded of how important it is to listen to your children, and the blessings that it can bring to parents.

Related Articles:

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Learn more about Rich Andrews

Rich has been married 20 years to his wife Laura. They have 4 children together, one with many special health and learning needs because of velocardiofacial syndrome.

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Dale Harcombe (10321) 12 Jun 2008 08:56 PM

It also shows how important parents' prayers are in teaching our children what is important.

Rich Andrews (276) 13 Jun 2008 07:33 AM

Yes. We definitely instill our values in our kids when we pray together.