23 Questions To Ask Your Child

Sometimes I wonder what is going on in my three year old’s brain. I’ve never had a three year old that can actually tell me what they are thinking.
As close as my connection to Kierra was (aw. I still don’t like that was word.) I was usually guessing when it came to what she actually thought of me. Her snuggles and brushes of lips on my cheek and little purrs let me know she loved me. Very much. But she could never let me know in English language. We have alot of catching up to do someday!

I read a book to Kobe the other day that made me so upset I nearly threw if across the room but since I expect more of him then that, I better hold myself to the same standards. It was a lovely illustrated older hardcover explaining how God loves you. Normally I would have loved it except this is a bit like it read….
“How do you know God loves you?
He gave you two strong legs to run.
He gave you hands to help your mommy.”
Ditto ditto ….more of the same through the whole book. It made me very upset! Because if God did not give you the ability to run, does that mean He doesn’t love you? Most defiantly NOT!! He loves you exactly the way He made you.
And that got me to thinking along the more grownup thoughts of how we explain Gods love to our children. When they are very young I think Gods love is shown through us primarily.

Acceptance. Patience. Affirmation. Direction. Consequences. Hugs and kisses. Time.

Kierra’s last physical therapist was a mommy of two darling boys. Recently she posted these questions to ask to your child. I thought they were totally worth sharing! I was amazed at Kobe’s answers and it gave me a clearer view of how he views me. His view of me right now will effect his view of God someday!

So here they are….all 23 and remember…no prompting your child on right or wrong answers;) I did have to reword them a bit by asking in first person instead of ‘mommy’. And he did get tired of thinking 🙂

1. What is something mommy always says to you?
2. What makes Mom happy?
3. What names Mom sad?
4. How does Mom make you laugh?
5. What was your mom like as a child?
6. How old is your mom?
7. How tall is your mom?
8. What is her favorite thing to do?
9. What does your mom do when you’re not around?
10. If your mom becomes famous what will it be for?
11. What is your mom really good at?
12. What is your mom not really good at?
13. What does your mom do for a job?
14. What’s your mom’s favorite food?
15. What makes you proud of your mom?
16. If your mom were a character who would she be?
17. What do you and your mom do together?
18. How are you and your mom the same?
19. How are you and your mom different?
20. How do you know your mom loves you?
21. What does your mom like most about your dad?
22. Where is your moms favorite place to go?
23. How old was your mom when you were born?

Just as these answers are not right or wrong…(its all about a child’s perspective) so our love for our children will not all look the same. Our children are individual little people who will not tolerate being put in a tidy box. At least most of them won’t:)

Just as God has given them different personalities He has also blessed some with health and others struggle all their life to reach out and hold your hand.

God loves them equally the same. He loves us exactly where we are as well. He doesn’t love us BECAUSE we can run and play. Not because we are talented or wealthy. He loves us simply because He is our Father and we are His child.

I discovered Kobe feels loved when I talk to him and play with him. That he thinks my favorite thing to do is work. And that my favorite place to go is Florida. My favorite food is even salad.

So here’s to playing, listening, and talking more. Here’s to showing him God’s love cannot be earned or handed out as a specialty club card for certain individuals. It’s a free gift with no favorites because everyone is the favorite child.

Here’s to thanking God for the blessings of speech and health and suntanned cheeks and sky blue eyes.
A