The Daily Reminder - Day 6: Kids + Listening

Just two more days of kid-focused goals. Today, the goal is about listening. The art of listening involves paying attention to what they are saying, how they are saying it, and frankly...what they aren't saying - to capture the entire message from our kids. But more importantly, we also need to focus on what their behavior is saying to us.Today, I will ask three thoughtful questions of each of my kids. Not just any question, but ones that I hope to get some thoughtful responses and then I will LISTEN.

I will stop what I am doing.

I will intentionally look and hear their words.

I will not interrupt them. I will not fix it. I will not offer my advice.

I will just listen.

And draw more information from them with encouraging words like, "That sounds cool, tell me more about that." or "Wow, I can't believe that. What else?" - just simple phrases that will let them know I am interested in hearing more and that I am listening.Here are a couple of examples of what I am thinking:

• "What makes you love gymnastics? basketball? cars?"
• "Where would you like to go on a trip? and why?"
• "What is your favorite thing we do as a family?"

Anyone else have ideas for great, thoughtful questions for your kids?Happy listening!Recap from Day 5It is such an amazing thing that I have felt great these last 5 days without my usual tendencies of trying to do it all, creating list after list. I hope this feeling continues for all 25 days remaining! For me, it has been so helpful to just have one thing to focus on, while also continuing to have balance with my job and other responsibilities. It seems like it just frees up the mental space so I can do the other things I need to do.Although this reflection isn't necessarily about the love letter, I found myself reflecting on: 1. I am on a 5-day streak!!  and 2. Prior to this, I was spending a lot of mental energy trying to do it all. I often told people that I made lots of lists because I had so many things going on in my head that I had to write it down so I wouldn't forget it.  It is so strange to feel so productive without the to-do list.Y'all - I am so proud of how everyone is doing. I have heard from many of you and can't wait to continue hearing from you about your progress to keep me motivated as well!Oh. And by the way. The love letters were great. I left them on my older kids' beds before they went up at the end of the night and I showed my younger two the pictures I drew for them when they woke up this morning. Smiles all around! LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. LOVE.