Over the Thanksgiving holidays—for six nights—our home nestled four generations of family. Larry and I camped out in the basement to make sure all our loved ones slept in comfortable beds. Can you imagine the laughter and the laundry, not to mention the countless dashes to the grocery for milk and eggs? Truly, for the rest of our lives, we will savor the sweetness of our 2021 togetherness.
Allow me to share with you a fascinating conversation that emerged from the week.
One sunny afternoon amidst the mayhem, I took the opportunity to converse with my recently christened teenage granddaughter. While she lounged comfortably on the love seat in her newly acquired Christmas flannel pajamas, I leaned over the back of the sofa and posed my question.
“What advice do you have for parents?”
This is what she said:
1. Don’t EMBARRASS us.
2. We like our space, but you may have to intervene at times.
3. MOOD SWINGS. Be aware of the mood swings.
4. We. Need. Social. Lives.
5. Sometimes we are perfectionists—actually, a lot.
6. We like electronics but limit our usage. OR ELSE.
7. Don’t allow us to procrastinate.
8. There are times we love school, and there are times we hate it.
9. Don’t be overdramatic with us.
10. Sometimes we think we are smarter than our superiors. Trust me—we aren’t.
Living With Eternal Intentionality®
Which of these tips do you find most thought-provoking? Why?
When did you last have a conversation with a teenager?
How do you see the art of listening playing a much-needed role in our interaction with teenagers?
A paraphrase of the words from James 1:19 just keep circling in my head: “Be quick to hear, slow to speak . . . "
Thank you, my beloved Granddaughter; your advice and tips bear thoughtful consideration.
