It’s to help your kids open up and share their thoughts and feelings.
But there’s a catch……
In order for it to be fruitful to everyone in the family, we (the mom) must do it first. It’s not one of those, “Do as I say not as I do” moments. Thankfully, most moms are list makers by default so it’s not too hard. Really.
If your kids are able to share more about themselves with you and vice-versa, it’s worth a shot!
Here we go…
Make a list of 15-20 statements that begin with the phrase “I am”.
Remember, I am a mom — a list maker. So this should be easy, right? Not when I am talking about myself. I’m great about talking about their kids. Not so much about myself sometimes.
Here’s mine…
1. I am a wife.
2. I am a mom.
3. I am a woman – with hair dyed red.
4. I am a cycle-breaker in my family.
5. I am a lover.
6. I am Christ’s.
7. I am only one of many.
8. I am happy.
9. I am an anxious person only part of the time.
10. I am tired only some of the time.
11. I am energetic when I love what I am doing.
12. I am a lousy housekeeper, but a good cuddler.
13. I am good at putting babies to sleep.
14. I am an awesome cook when I want to be.
15. I am a convert to Catholicism.
16. I am not a people-pleaser.
17. I am an emotional person.
18. I am not good at crying in front of people.
(Spoiler Alert: Do not read any further until you have completed it yourself!!)
Sharing these lists is a good way to keep up with everyone in your family. Have your family do the same exercise without giving them any instruction ahead of time. For younger ones, have them dictate to you as you write.
What did I learn? I know I struggle with expressing all of my feelings and emotions with my family. My children have expressed to me that they wish that I would “listen” more. It was a good start for me to understand who “I am” first.
