“Tell me about it.”
Several of our grandchildren enjoy art, as I do. Recently one of our out-of-town grandchildren artists sent me a text with a piece of art he had just finished. It reminded me of this photo I took early one foggy morning in 2020 of the barn across the road from our house.
I sent him the photo and told him that his picture reminded me of it. He wrote me back that it was not a barn, but a cottage. I felt so bad. I know better than that! You should never assume that you know what a child has drawn and it’s best not to ask, “What is it?” It’s better to give the inviting and validating invitation, “Tell me about it.”
Interaction with adults helps children know where they stand and how they are measuring up in the world. They crave our attention and admiration of their newly acquired skills.
We enjoyed five grandchild basketball games on Saturday. Our youngest grandchild, age four, is too young for the league, but can’t wait for halftime when he can grab a basketball and practice his skills. On Saturday he asked me to watch what he was doing. I noticed his dribbling and complimented him on it, but he explained that now he can dribble and then hold the basketball on his open palm without dropping it—an impressive feat, considering his tiny hand beneath that great big ball. Oops. I did it again. I assumed too much.
Children need our teaching. To receive it, they must hear and respect our voices. However, I am reminded again that a lot of the time, the best thing we can do is listen. That is teaching, too. It is teaching that they are valuable enough to be heard.
. . . But everyone must be
quick to hear, slow to speak . . .
James 1:19b