Thanks to La Petite Academy for partnering with me today to bring you helpful content. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Holiday family gatherings are something most people look forward to, but also something that some people feel quite nervous about, because topics of discussion can quickly become divisive. I feel as though this holiday season, worry and angst is so palpable  and opinions are so divided on issues that the thought of coming together during the holidays with folks who think differently might be a bit too much to handle.

Could I offer a suggestion? This is a perfect opportunity to focus on the children who will be at these gatherings and to ask them some great questions. In fact, we can ask the adults some of these same questions in order to focus more on getting to know each other better and sticking to topics that will be fun for everyone.

La Petite Academy has actually released an AWESOME free pdf that has so many great questions you can ask kids (or even adults) when you gather together with them. In a few days my nephew will be visiting our family, along with a girl who will become my new niece (hopefully next year!). I cannot wait to spend some quality time with both of them and engage in some really good talk that helps them feel included as also helps them feel important, because of course they are!

season-of-kindness-2016-flip-book

You don’t have to save these great questions for a special event, either. Print them off and keep them on your dining room table, and then pick one or two questions for your entire family to answer over dinner together. If you don’t usually eat dinner together, now you’ve got the perfect excuse to gather around the table and get to know each other better.

By asking kids questions, we teach them important communication skills and help build their confidence as speakers and as listeners. And by including them in the conversations happening around them, we give them a sense of belonging. Should the conversations turn to more difficult subject matters, take a moment to prepare by reading this great article on talking about difficult subjects with your children. While you are on that page, note that La Petite Academy has a plethora of great parenting articles that can be helpful. They are definitely worth a look!

La Petite Academy is an early education program found all across the country, and it is completely unlike a traditional daycare setting, because a strong curriculum is in place, inspired by STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math).  Each child is given opportunities to be a natural learner and to hone in on those important communication skills. Give La Petite Academy a close look if you are in need of an early education opportunity for your child, or share it if you know someone who is looking.

Have a beautiful Thanksgiving and a wonderful holiday season filled with great conversations!