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1.3 - Balance


I've been focusing on emotional development with the Littles of late (mostly infinite variations on "do unto others as you would have them do unto you, yes, even that person, yes, even in that situation"). One thing that has come up a lot is communication gaps. I have one who struggles to say the words, wanting others to read their mind and becoming frustrated over the inevitable incorrect guesses. And I have one who struggles to do the words, having heard the expressed desire of someone else but really determined to continue on their own path, regardless of who they might run over in the process. Natural consequences are an incomplete solution, as one is an extrovert who will forgive many indignities rather than be alone and the other is sensitive and doesn't like people to feel hurt, which generally leads to the wronged child making the adjustments (not a behavior I necessarily want to encourage). So we listen, and we talk.

I have strong feelings about balanced conversation, and the importance of listening and speaking and application as a package deal, largely from having to learn those things myself. I do want everyone to feel heard - but that requires me to go to the effort of closing my own mouth and settling in my own wayward thoughts so that I can hear the other person properly. I'd also like the same courtesy extended to me.

So this month I'd like to explore the balance of interaction, in my own life. That looks a little different this year than it has in others, but it's still there - and it deserves to feel heard.
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