Start of School Brings Opportunity for Meaningful Conversations

Parents all over the nation are getting kids ready for the start of the new school year. For some parents and kids, the school year is already a week or two in the making; but at my house, that first day of school comes on Tuesday.

My wife, a Montessori school teacher, spent a few weeks this summer teaching summer school. To help stimulate conversation between parents and their children, she sent every one of her students home with a “name tag like” sticker that read “Ask Me About <insert topic they discussed that day>”. The purpose was to help connect parents to the activities and learning that took place during that day’s session.

What a great way to stimulate conversation with your kids.

My Challenge To You

I realize that my kids, or yours for that matter, won’t be coming home with a sticker saying “ask me about <insert something they learned that day>” but think about the power of that phrase as a conversation starter!

As we begin the school year, I encourage you to start a new tradition.  As you gather around the table for your evening meal, take a few minutes to ask your school age children this simple question: What can I ask you about today? 

I think we’ll all be surprised at the conversations that will come out of this simple question.

Remember, through conversations, life happens and finds meaning.

Here’s a great school year and to meaningful conversations with our kids!

Be well and make it a great day!

Marc Vaillancourt
@bassclefmusic