What Are You
Talking About? - by Jill Windham
Have you spent time with your
family lately? Let me explain. Statistics show that parents spend
on average 3.5 minutes a day in meaningful conversation with their
children. The numbers are around 1.7 minutes a day between husband and
wife. Studies also show that 66% of American families eat their dinner in
front of a television. I hope you find that as disturbing as I do,
especially since American adults spend 96 minutes per day playing xBox. So,
what I am asking you is, have you spent time with your family today, besides
the normal issuing of chores, discussion of bills, helping with homework?
Meaningful conversation is most definitely not “Clean your room,”
or, “Honey, please fill the car up with gas today.” We must
remember that before churches were instated, before schools were created, God
created husband and wife, parent and child. If you haven’t talked
to your family lately, you are heading for turbulent times in your household.
Without open and loving communication, what was once a peaceful environment can
turn to one of hostility and resentment. I challenge you tonight - sit
down with your family and eat dinner together. Turn the TV off, and
engage in conversation that matters.
Here’s some ideas to get
your conversation rolling.
Ask your family:
“Everyone go around and tell
your favorite thing that happened today.”
“Tell me about the funniest
thing you saw today.”
“If you could be eating
dinner with anyone that is alive, who would you pick?”
For little ones, ask things like:
“If you could be any animal,
which one would you be?”
“What’s three things
you wish you could eat for dinner every night?”
For husband and wife, ask:
“Tell me about a memory you
have of eating with your family when you were a kid.”
“Where are some places you
hope to go with me, once our kids are gone one day?”
It may not seem easy, but let me assure you, it’s
worth it, to converse with your family. The more you try, the more open
they will be. Give it a shot… your family is waiting!