Thank you Mardi Gras Napkins for sponsoring this post. Visit your local retailer to get the conversation going in your home!
We are busy. Back in May, Brooke filled out a form about “mom” for Mother’s Day. It was a simple questionnaire that was meant to be comical about your child’s thoughts. It included questions like “How old is your mom?” and “What’s your moms name?” to which Brooke replied “3, Mommy”. But it also included, “What does your mom do for work?” to which Brooke replied “I’m busy”. I, of course, took it light-hearted and laughed, but it has made me reflect. She sees my simple responses, she takes note in the day to day. The little things matter and how we communicate with our kids matters. I want to make a difference in my kids days and this means capturing the simple, everyday moments. Here are 3 ways To Make A Difference In Your Child’s Day that I have been implementing:
Give Them Security
Yes, a safe environment is very important, but I want to talk more about security in their day, schedule and expectations. We have found that our day goes so much smoother if we let our kids know what to expect and tell them the plans. We hope this builds a line of communication for the future in discussing plans and just communicating as a family. We let Brooke know the night before as we are putting her to bed what to expect the next day. For example, we tell her the game plan: we will wake up, eat breakfast, get ready, go to school, go for a family walk, eat dinner then go to bed. This lets her know what to expect out of the day.
Ask Them Questions
Asking your child questions is an amazing way to make a difference in their day. I know that for some this may not come natural, or it may even not come natural for your child, so I love these Mardi Gras Napkins‘ as conversations starters. They are a great way to keep conversations going and even to combat the “I don’t knows” or “nothing” you get after school. Mardi Gras napkins ignite spontaneous and unexpected family conversations through their super cool illustrated prints. These are awesome for mealtime – think fun breakfast conversations, snack time communication or even dinnertime. You can get your child talking and wipe away boredom! You can bring “fun” back to mealtime conversations. These are also great to put in your child’s lunch to help them start conversations with friends!
Be Present and Available
Finally, be present and available. While some days your child might be really open, some days they might be more reserved. The important thing is to let them know you are there and available. This can be through spending time doing something you both love or even just sitting with them through homework.
I hope that these three things really help make a difference in your child’s day and help you feel more equipped as a parent. Mardi Gras napkins really are a fun way to get conversations rolling in your house. Laughter and fun bring so much to your day and your child’s. Pick some up today!
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.