Parents, as your kids grow up and move from one stage of life to the next, there is a lot to consider. Your child has successfully finished one season of life (hopefully), and they are moving towards something new. It may be a new grade, a new school, or a new ministry at church (or all the above). As a parent, you are perfectly positioned to help your child process where they have been, celebrate what God is doing/has done, and begin to prepare for what’s next. We often breeze right through these transitions, occasionally celebrating on a surface level. But what if we were able to be more intentional when it comes to setting aside some time to have a real conversation (or, depending on your child, a series of conversations) where we paused to help them look back at where we’ve been and then look forward to where we are going? What if doing something as simple as this could help our kids recognize how they have grown, celebrate what they have learned/accomplished, and recognize/acknowledge how God has been with them all along the way?
This Real Talk Parent Guide: Celebrating Transitions is designed to help you be intentional with setting aside some time to create an open-ended conversation with your kids utilizing the conversation prompts provided. This is not supposed to be a forced interview or interrogation. Have fun with it! Let your child respond to the question, and then let them ask your response to the same question. Maybe prepare a special meal, go out to a favorite restaurant, or plan a special excursion where you can discuss these questions. Whatever you do, make the time to simply engage in an intentional conversation that will help your child see some things they may not normally see and begin to prepare for some things that will be coming their way.
Conversation Prompts To Help Launch A Conversation & Keep It Going
- As you look back at this past school year, what are some highlights or most memorable moments for you? (Now, let your child ask you to answer the same question.)
- What was fun about this last year of school? (Now, let your child ask you to answer the same question.)
- As you look back at this past school year, what was difficult for you? (Now, let your child ask you to answer the same question.)
- What are some things that happened this year that you think we need to make sure we celebrate? (Now, let your child ask you to answer the same question.)
- What are a few things you feel like you learned this past year? (Now, let your child ask you to answer the same question.)
- How did you grow in your faith and walk with Jesus this past year? (Now, let your child ask you to answer the same question.)
- What are some things that you are looking forward to in this next school year? (Now, let your child ask you to answer the same question.)
- Are there any things that you are concerned about or that make you anxious about your next school year? (Now, let your child ask you to answer the same question.)
- Is there anything I can do to help you be more prepared for what’s coming next? (Now, let your child ask you to answer the same question.)
- What are some specific things that I can pray for as you head into your next season of life? (Now, let your child ask you to answer the same question.)
HERE’S A PREVIEW OF THE RESOURCE:
