Anyone with a job, a career or any kind of full-time obligations understands that there is never enough time in the day to do all the things you need to do. It can make having real and meaningful communication time with your kids feel like a luxury.
Fortunately, that quality time to talk with your kids is already there at bedtime.
A pleasant evening ritual of private ‘Pillow Talk’ can be a rewarding time for you both. Pillow Talk can help your little one to calm down and prepare for sleep. With a bit of time, you’ll both look forward to the moment when you can spend some time together sharing the warmth and attention.
For you dear reader, Pillow Talk can be a pleasant and joyful moment in an otherwise hectic day. A time when you can listen and interact with your child without interference or electronics. This luxury is so very important to both you and your child. The conversations you have now form a foundation from which your child will grow. Talking with your child One-on-One will help them feel secure and will let them have deep and meaningful conversations with you
I personally believe that my evening Pillow Talk with my daughter is paving the way for a solid future of open and honest communication
I like to ask open questions to let my daughter take her answer and run with them.
Here’s my list of questions:
Q How was your day?
Q What was interesting?
Q What did you do during the break?
Q What’s the new thing you learned today?
In answering these questions, my daughter reveals her heart to me. She begins to smile and laugh, remembering everything that brought her pleasure and becomes serious, remembering something sad. She feels proud when she shares her new knowledge.
Sometimes I pick some of following questions
-What do you like to dream about?
-What made you smile today?
-What do you love most?
-Who is your hero and why?
-If you could change something in yourself, what would you change?
-What would you prefer: to be able to fly or read thoughts?
-Which super-power would you like to have?
-If you were an animal, what kind would you be?
-What is your favorite game?
-If you could play any role in your favorite movie, what would it be?
-If you could have only one thing of all that you have, what would you choose?
-What one thing would you like to learn to do well?
-What do you like most about your best friend?
-Who is the kindest person you know? Why?
-How would you describe your family?
-When the last time was someone hurt you, hurt your feelings? How did you react?
-When do you feel misunderstood by grown-ups?
-What makes you proud of yourself?
-What makes you angry?
-What did you like most about your favorite teacher?
-What part of the school day is your favorite?
-Who did you sit in the school cafeteria with today?
-Who did you spend the most time with today?
Children are strongly influenced by their feelings and emotions. Pillow Talk can be just the trick to help them express their thoughts, emotions, and feelings. Give it a try and I’m sure it will become a cherished ritual in your family too.
Question: What are your favorite memories of bedtime talk with your Parents? Share your memories with the group!
Xenia Sulimenko runs her own business in Prague and is also a full-time mum! Write to her on xenia@littlepanda.cz