The need to initiate an honest, two-way conversation with your kids

I think some of the fears and insecurities we struggle with were sown in us at a young age. Maybe we experienced something we shouldn’t have, and, ever since, the memory won’t let us be.

You know, not until this past week, it did not occur to me that kids are watching too: seeing and hearing most of the disturbing stories and conversations about the pandemic. And it is frightening knowing that some of these kids will internalise their fears, because, young as they may be, they likely have figured that ours is a society that would prefer you hide your fears than admit them.

I hope you’d consider this: The need to initiate an honest, two-way conversation with your kids or, basically, with kids whom you are obligated to care for. And this, I think, is relevant for all times, not just in this season.

I guess not many of us had this while growing up, and not having an example to follow after, it may seem a difficult task to initiate.

So, if you have kids or you hope to have one someday, here are tips I think might help:

— Start early.

— Reduce or totally eliminate those “When I was your age” stories. They are usually boring and not always helpful. Dear, you’re human, which means, no matter how good you think you are, you have faults. Truly, a good relationship requires a certain level of vulnerability from both sides. So, to the extent you can, do show them that you are truly human.

— Beyond the words we speak and write, people tend to sense the spirit behind them. So, try not to make the conversation about you or what you want of your kids. Rather, it should be a conversation about them and the person they want to be.

You know, life shouldn’t always be so complicated.

Have a great week ahead.