How to Communicate with a Tweenager

Thankfully both Will and Hallie still talk and listen to me...most of the time. As they grow older, I see glimpses of the beauty - the physical, mental, and emotional growth, but also the adventure, the laughter, and the milestones - that will accompany my children's tween and teenage years. I also see glimpses of the challenges, especially when it comes to open and honest communication, those years will bring.

A couple of months ago Hallie received a felt letter board as a birthday gift. At first she used it to share all kinds of important information with me:

Have question when off phone. (As if I could somehow see the letter board - in her room - while on the phone in my office.)

I want cookie. (What's new.)

Will's feet stink. (True story.)

I love unicorns. (So do I.)

And then I realized I could use it to share all kinds of important information with her.

(I embellished the board on our craft day back in June.) 

A felt letter board hanging on a little girl's bedroom wall is not a singular solution to the communication challenges ahead. But I think it might come in handy in the long run, and heaven knows I'll use whatever techniques and tools are available if I think they will help my kids hear me and me hear my kids.

On an unrelated note, happy birthday to my dad! So glad we get to celebrate with you, G-Paul!