Talk Talk Talk

Posted on October 5, 2009 
Filed Under Fathering, Parenting, Physical Health

According to this NY Times story, new parents are dropping the ball on something quite important: talking to their child. The research shows most parents – even infants and toddlers – aren’t talking much with their younger children, even in simple ways, about simple things. It is vital that youngsters learn from Mom and Dad about the world around them. So observing the color of buildings, pointing out the approaching dog, and noticing the loud siren of the passing fire truck, reading and singing – it all builds language and comprehension skills in our kids. I wonder why such primary activities as engaging verbally with our kids is so hard?

Seeing these stats, it occurs to me that this is rudimentary parenting, but perhaps we’ve got a communication breakdown between the wisdom of previous generations and today’s busy, multi-tasking, media-savvy Gen Y parents? Maybe the common-sense approach taken by generations before have been lost in the shuffle. Or maybe today’s parents don’t fully grasp how significant their role is in the life of that little one. Regardless, our cultural penchant for speed, safety and frankly, selfishness all seem to be adding to an inability or unwillingness to fully engage in our kids’ lives.

Care to learn more? Here’s a starting point for more “parenting 101″ information from Focus on the Family, with articles and links covering those early years.

Comments

2 Responses to “Talk Talk Talk”

  1. Kelley on October 7th, 2009 9:58 am

    I would like to know if you believe that God has a sense of humor. This is a topic of discussion for my husband and I.

  2. Paul on October 15th, 2009 8:42 am

    Yes, I believe that God has a sense of humor.
    If God made us in His image, than that is proof right there. Also, and I can’t remember exactly where at the moment, but I will look it up, the Bible even mentions that God laughs. Besides, look around you at some of the strange animal life we have on this earth, pretty funny looking stuff, don’t ya think?

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