Dig Deeper | meaningful conversations

Hey Parents and Friends,

In this season, lots of things are both hard and uncertain. And yet lots of things are new and maybe even peaceful. Wherever you may fall on this continuum, I'm realizing that we are all in this together and that we need permission; permission to feel lots of different things in one day and permission to talk about them. I think so often we forget about the physical and emotional benefits of sharing our feelings with someone we know and trust. 

I don't know about you but in this season I find myself content one minute and then the next worried about what tomorrow might look like. Some of the feelings I have are not places I want to land. However, I do recognize that they are real feelings and probably ones I should acknowledge.

Recently my friend asked me three questions that helped me process what I’ve been feeling and I would love to share them with you so that you can initiate deeper conversation with your student. 

1. What has this COVID-19 season taken from you? 

2. What have you gained from this COVID-19 season?

3. What do you want to take with you in the future from being sheltered at home?

Many of you might be finding your family around the dinner table together more frequently than you did a few months ago, and I wanted to provide you with these questions, however online you can find lots more online!

The best types of questions are the how and why questions as these foster discussion. I think we all know a teenager or two who has mastered the ‘fine’ response to the question ‘how was your day today’. The key is more open ended questions where kids can feel connected. Maybe the question is instead ‘what was the best part of your day’ or ‘what was the worst part of your day’. A good way to feel connected is to ask a more open ended question that everyone answers.

So yes, you got it, this means as the parents you too need to answer the questions too! When we feel connected to the people around us research shows that we are more engaged overall. As a family, it's so important to give each other permission to share thoughts and emotions. Especially when we are prepared to give them space to share freely and be heard.

I hope the space that you provide in your home gives your student permission to express their feelings during this season.

About the author:
Alena Grieser

Alena Grieser is the Director of Operations for Lifeline Student Ministries.