The Power of Curiosity: Asking Our Children Good Questions #48

The tendency to tell our children things is strong. But, asking questions can be powerful. Seeking to know our kids--their deep feelings, their true thoughts, their motivations--is a rewarding journey that communicates how valuable they are to us. And, asking our kids thoughtful, honest questions helps our children learn more about themselves: their feelings, thoughts, values, preferences, driving values, etc.

Inspired by a book David's reading (Prepared: What Kids Need for a Fulfilled Life by Diane Tavenner) and an Albert Einstein quote ("I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious."), we encourage each other (and you) to be passionately curious about our children--not for our (the parent's) benefit, but to truly know them, love them for who they are, and to help them know themselves and the world around them better.

This week's episode covers a few guidelines for how and why to ask our kids good questions:

• Assume the best of your child. Be a coach, not an accuser.
• Get passionately curious about your kids.
• Remember that context matters.
• Build a family culture through common questions and code words.
• Engage your child with hope.

The 4th of July-inspired Stat of the Week is about the oldest Independence Day in modern history. Hint: it involves an alliance between Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden (which, of course, we can't pronounce correctly). Also, for some unknown reason we end up talking about Supertramp's 1979 hit, Take the Long Way Home.


Thank you for listening! We hope you enjoyed this episode. We are so grateful for everyone who listens to us and would appreciate if you would share the podcast with a friend who might be encouraged by this conversation or who just needs a good laugh at our expense.