I went visiting teaching the other night and the lady we saw said something that made quite an impact on me. She has young adult and teenage age children and said that we can't wait until they're teenagers to try and talk to them but we have to start when they are very small. If we are always putting them off as kids then they will learn that Mom and/or Dad don't want to listen to me and don't care about what I have to say and they probably won't talk to you when they're older. Even though it may be hard to listen about Pokemon or computer games or whatever it is that doesn't really interest us we NEED to listen to them and establish that relationship. I have always thought it was a good idea to talk with and listen to your kids but I had never thought about it specifically like that. Luckily right now I very much enjoy (well 90% of the time) listening to Hyrum's 3-year old ramblings. Even before I had kids, I knew I wanted to have the kind of relationship with them that they would be comfortable enough to come to me with anything at all and they would know I would listen to them. I am so grateful she shared that with me because it's really changed my perspective on that part of parenting.
On the dental side of life, I got my teeth cleaned by a handsome young dentist yesterday and I was amazed at how clean they looked afterwards! It had been 2 years since they had been professionally cleaned and before that another 2 years so needless to say my teeth really needed it. And at the risk of sounding cheesy I enjoyed being able to look into his eyes for so long because I am rather fond of those eyes :)
9 comments:
Megan, totally cheese!
But, a really good point on the kids. Who do you VT? She's a very wise lady.
I was also visiting teaching the other day and my comanion said a similar thing. She has an almost 15 year old who is running into some very difficult and moral problems at school, but since they opened up the lines of communication with him when he was young, he came to them with the problems and they tried to work out solutions. She said that's the best advice that she can give to a young parent. "Communicate well with your children from the time they are little, then they will come to you when they get in a difficult situation."
I remember those eyes...
It was hard not to notice them when got all up in your grill and stuck his hands in our mouths.
What a lucky gal you are! Finding a good-looking dentist and all. That is fun that your hubby can clean them! I haven't been to the dentist in forever, and Jeremy would die if I told you, so I'll keep it a secret. BUT next year (2010) we are getting dental insurance through the Army and we'll be regular goers--FINALLY!
How is potty-training?? That is great advice from your VT-ee.
Great advice. My sister has told me the same, but boy do I need the reminder. Teenage-hood scares the pants off me, especially since its only about 4 yrs away. Thanks Megan.
You two are great parents and great partners. Everyone has advice for you, when you find something that rings true in your heart, follow that feeling and you'll do great!
I love the picture! Thanks for sharing that. I've never thought about how listening when children are young will make such a difference when they are older. It makes a lot of sense.
I totally agree with you about starting young to talk to your kids, and getting them to trust you early so they will always be able to come and talk to you, even when they are older. That is really important. That last part is so cute, I'm so glad that you are still very in love with your hubbby :).
I don't get it. Who was the dentist? Sheesh Megan, Jeremy might read this blog at some point, you've gotta watch what you say here...
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