Can we all agree that life seems to be on a relentless mission to keep us perpetually swamped? From the moment I drag myself out of bed in the morning until I collapse back into it at night, it feels like I am caught in a whirlwind of obligations and to-do lists.
As a single mom of two, my day consists of chauffeuring the kids to school, working my 9-to-5, attempting to build an online business, helping with homework, whipping up dinner, shuttling them to practices and games, and let’s not forget the countless other tasks that seem to multiply like gremlins. And all of this while desperately trying to maintain some form of self-care and sanity. Phew! Just writing all that makes me want to take a nap.
By the time the day is over, it feels like I’ve been trampled by a stampede of responsibilities. I am overwhelmed, overbooked, and overtired. But in the midst of this daily chaos, there’s a crucial aspect that often falls by the wayside – connecting with my kids.
As they grow older, it’s become extremely important to me to understand what’s going on in their lives. Sure, we spend hours together, but some days we’re so busy that all I manage to squeeze in is a quick, “How was school?” Only to be met with the ever-predictable one-word response – “good” – before we’re whisked away to the next task on the agenda.
I wanted to create an opportunity for us to spend meaningful, quality time together, especially during the week, beyond the usual surface-level chit-chat. My goal was for this time to be fun but also a chance for them to learn valuable life skills without even realizing they were being taught.
I came up with a set of questions that I like to call our “daily reflection” that I have been doing for a few years now. It’s become a cherished part of our everyday routine and I’m so excited to share these questions with you. They’ve made a positive impact on our lives, strengthened our bonds, and inspired all of us.
Question #1: What was the best part of your day?
I love starting our conversations with this question because it sets the tone for positivity. It encourages them to share the best parts of their day and it gives me the chance to celebrate those awesome moments with them.
Question #2: What could have made today better?
This question prompts the kids to reflect on any challenges they face and fosters problem-solving skills. It’s a reminder that obstacles are part of life and encourages them to think about strategies or workarounds. It also helps me understand their feelings and allows me to consider how I can be a better parent for them.
Question #3: What’s something you learned today?
This question is all about embracing the joy of learning and discovering something new every day. I love it when one of them shares something I might’ve forgotten or never even knew.
Question #4: What’s something nice you did for someone OR something nice someone did for you?
It’s amazing how asking this question has motivated them to actively seek out chances to make a positive difference in someone’s day.
Question #5: What’s something you’re grateful for?
This question holds a special place in my heart. I love hearing about the things that they appreciate, whether big or small.
Since starting this tradition, our connection has deepened, and the time we spend together has become more meaningful and impactful. I’ve gotten such a deeper understanding of my kids that I wouldn’t trade for anything. If you decide to incorporate these questions into your daily routine, I hope they bring value and strengthen your connections as well. Cheers to discovering those precious moments in the midst of life’s chaos.