3. Talk Less, Ask More (Kohn, 127)

James 1:5 “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”

If you want to be close with your children they need to feel like they can come and talk “with you” at not be “talked at”. If parents would relax and have a genuine conversation with their children they would find it goes a long way. The best way to get to know someone is to ask questions. The same goes for talking with children. This does not mean that you should “interview” your children, but that you should allow them to tell you what is going on in their lives without feeling pressured.

You might think that because you were once a child you know exactly how they feel and what they are going through. But each person is different. Asking your child why they acted a certain way or did something can open your eyes to a whole new perspective.