Love is in the air. Women have no doubt chosen special cards for the people they love, especially their spouse. They have planned a special meal or dessert and are thinking about candles and other things to make dinner memorable for their spouse and family. Men have thought about (and hopefully ordered) the flower, candy or gift their spouse loves most. They have thought about something special for their kids to let them know they are loved and important. It is Valentines Weekend after all.
So what else would make Valentine's Day memorable for your family? What about the gift of storytelling? What about sharing some of the things that make your family special, important, fun! What about telling your family’s stories.
How about these for starters.
Looking Back -
Kids ask Mom and Dad - each answers for themselves:
Tell us about your first date. What was it like? What made you say Yes!?
What was your first impression when you met me? (each child) What do you love about me?
How have you seen God love our family this year? What has brought you joy/happiness about our family this year?
Mom and Dad ask each Child:
Tell me about something you and I have done together this year that was important to you?
Tell me something I have done in the last few days to make you feel special to me, because you are.
Mom and Dad in private:
What do I do that makes you feel most loved?
What in our marriage has brought you the most joy this past year?
Looking Forward-
Kids ask Mom and Dad - each answer for themselves:
What are you looking forward to doing with me before next Valentines Day? (An answer for each child)
Mom and Dad, what can I do for you this year? (Have an answer for each child)
What are you asking God to do for our family this year?
Mom and Dad ask each Child:
If we had $20.00 to spend, what is something you and I could do this year to have time and fun together?
What is a dream you have for this year?
Mom and Dad in private:
What could I do for you to make our coming year the best one yet?
What would you like me to do more of? Less of? Continue?
So often we think that the people we love know how we feel and know how they are special to us. Fact is, we humans are not mind readers. That is one ‘in the image of God’ that was not bestowed upon us. We have to dedicate time, attention, and intention to discover these for ourselves.
Stress and uncertainty are common components in all families, regardless of what Facebook says. In adoption families, genuine conversations about feelings, concerns, and needs are required. They are also hard to have when we haven’t already resolved the hurt and uncertainty that may have brought you into the decision to create your family through adoption. A fact, divorce rates are high in our general population and higher still in adoptive families. The stress and uncertainty are real. This Valentine’s Day take a step to get ahead of it.
If you are stuck and unable to express your love and care this Valentine’s Day contact me for Office Hours. I hold a couple no cost spots in my schedule each week. I will give one to you. Also like my Facebook Page. Unlike many Facebook Pages, you get the real deal about living an adoption life @kayeonealcoaching.