If you were asked the following question, how would you answer it?

What is your child interested in?  What do they enjoy doing?  If they have hobbies, why did they select that particular hobby?

One of the most important benefits of showing interest in our children is that by doing so we make them feel loved. 

Truth is, we all have a need to feel loved. We all have the need to feel important, the need to feel and be heard.

Remember When?

Do you remember as a child the excitement you had when you wanted to share something with your parents?  Perhaps the running home from school, busting through the doors screaming, "Mommy, let me show you this", or "Let me tell you what I learned today". 

And while some of us have busy schedules and days when we have to regroup, but taking some time to show interest in what our children are interested in is important.

Some Benefits of Showing Interest

1. Showing interest in our children and their day deepens our relationship.  It enforces the fact that they can come to us and discuss their day to day activities, emotions and events. 

2. It shows we care about what they care about. Mentors have heard this statement too often from our Mentees, "My parents don't care what I do, that's why I do what I want to."  

3. Showing interests increases both lines of communication!  It lets our children know they can share not only their interests with us but also their challenges or struggles. 

4. Showing interests in our children's interests increases their self-awareness.  Being able to talk with the ones that birthed you opens up conversations that help to reveal perhaps why they have interests in certain areas.  Perhaps their grandparents, aunts or uncles had similar interest, this discovery can help to strengthen family bonds. 

Make The First Move

Within the next couple of days, out of the blue, ask your child about their interests. I can only imagine the curious faces they will make trying to figure out why you're asking the question. I can hear right now their question to you, "Why you asking me that?" LOL 

We at Girls and Boys of Character are believing that this powerful and insightful question will open up doors of communication and serve as a tool to build your family's relationships. 

Please feel free to share with us your experiences. 

Picture Credit: CDC @ Unsplash.com