A few weeks ago, I challenged my children to do a thing.
I’ve had opportunity to watch them with their peers, and noticed something I had forgotten about teenagers.
They are excited about their thing, and when they tell their friend about the thing, friend says “oh” and then proceeds to tell about his thing. Or he walks away.
So I challenged the kids to pay attention, and when their friend tells them about their thing, to come up with a question about it. The actual question doesn’t matter, because it’s the give and take in a conversation that shows kindness. I also told them I wanted them to try to remember if they have an opportunity to followup with a question.
(Yes, it’s better for making friends, but it is more about showing love for one’s neighbor.)
Have you noticed how often Jesus asked questions out of kindness?
How do you encourage your children to love their neighbor in their conversations?
A week later, David recounted how a peer asked if he was planning on obtaining the latest video game. Instead of shutting down the conversation with disinterest (since we don’t maintain cutting edge knowledge of video games), David asked about the game. What’s it like? He was satisfied that he was able to love this friend in conversation simply by asking one or two questions.
I’d like to think of some questions I can suggest my children ask of their peers. Any ideas?
Michelle says
I find this blog interesting. I often hate to be fake about what I think about something someone is saying haha. If I don’t enjoy what we are talking about I die down and wait for something else to be talked about. This normally happens when the conversation is on girly things such as make up, nails, shoes ect. I love talking about Jesus though lol. I need to work on this in my own life. I just grew up a Tom boy. Even though I use those things mentioned above I take no pleasure in talking about them I simply like how they look and once applied I move on. The worst part is if someone persist about a certain product and I don’t care for it I eventually share that. I should think about this blog for the week and see if I have or am insensitive to others and if so how can I show love to my friends more by talking about their interest? Mmmmmm… this is a tough one! I love it!
Michelle says
That’s what makes asking questions so powerful. I don’t have to say “I love makeup” or “I can’t wait until this video game comes out.” I can say without hypocrisy “What do you like about this particular brand?” or “What makes this new version better than the old one?” Agreed that friends selling things can be a challenge. I’ve asked questions about products. I have accepted samples. My response is usually, “I’m not convinced it’s a good product for me” or “I’m glad you’ve found success with your product.” Thankfully, my friends have made it clear that we are friends regardless of whether I’m interested in their product. I like that they aren’t afraid to show me what they are selling and answer questions, but I also like that we are friends whether or not I buy from them.
Maya says
I don’t have any question ideas at the moment, but thank you for reminding of teaching this idea to my children. They even use help with this between siblings.
Michelle says
Thanks, Maya! Love to hear what God is teaching you. I’ll have to talk with them about this idea with siblings, too. 🙂