Two of Us: Communicating to the Children

 

Reflect

Separately, say the prayer and spend some time reflecting on the questions. 
Write some notes and then share your answers more fully with your spouse.

 

 

Prayer

Children – what a glorious gift. 
How could You ever be so good to me! 
I do, though, need to appreciate them more in Your name Father. 
They need to feel how much You love them through me. 
I sometimes get so involved in doing things for them
that I’m not personally present to them. 
Forgive me for that. 
Let Jesus ask for the forgiveness I know You will grant me.  Amen.

Begin to notice how you communicate with your child/children.  Notice how your “communication behavior” with them reflects the same strengths and weaknesses you have in your communication with your spouse. 

Questions

1. Put down each child’s name. Rate your communication level with each from 1 to 10, with 1 being low and 10 high.
2. Identify the source of the level, e.g. the child is most/least like you; most/least like your spouse; the child is closest/furtherest from you/your spouse.
3. Identify similarities between the way you treat each child and the way you treat your spouse.