Practical Words for Encouraging Your SonSýnishorn

Day Five “I enjoy listening to you and talking with you.” Scripture: Proverbs 1:8-9 Letting your son know you enjoy talking with him is a simple message he needs to hear. It’s another way of saying “I like you” and “I approve of you” and “I think you’re a great person.” When they are young, kids seem to chatter nonstop! When they get a little older, the regular back-and-forth communication often tapers off for a variety of reasons, and it can be frustrating as a parent to try to get your tween or teen to talk. Stay positive, stay connected, and continue to mention to your son how you enjoy talking with him. Quality time almost always comes out of quantity time. You can’t make him communicate, but you can ensure that he knows you still enjoy talking with him. And when he does open up, make sure you don’t problem-solve, correct, or only half listen. You’re older with plenty of life experience and more wisdom, but he didn’t come for all that; he just wanted to talk with you. Be sure he knows you like his ideas and value his thoughts—even if you have to bite your tongue! By staying positive and connected, you keep the door open for when he needs to come to you with something deeper that he’s been wrestling with—a serious life challenge. And he will come; it’s just a matter of time before he reaches out for your wisdom and input. He’ll want your advice because you have shown that you value him as a person and want to know what he has to say. King Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, urges children to listen to their parents’ voices and heed their advice. In Proverbs 1:8–9, Solomon writes, My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother; For they will be a graceful ornament on your head, And chains about your neck. (NKJV) Listening to your son, with respect and love, will open the door to him coming to you and taking your counsel. When he does, commend him for the wisdom he is showing in seeking the wisdom of others. Lord, help me to remember the value of quantity time with [name]. When he does come to me for advice, I pray for the wisdom that only You can give. Amen.