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The New and Improved Silent Treatment
5 Ways to Connect With Your Children
By Vickie Falcone
When my children were 3 and 6, I woke up one morning with laryngitis. My whispers were barely audible, and I wondered how I could possibly orchestrate the happenings of the day with no voice. I've never lost my voice before or since, and that one day without it proved to be a huge gift.
After I came downstairs, I drew my children near and said, "Mommy cannot talk today (my 6-year-old could barely contain her joy), so I need your help. You will need to pay extra attention when I ask you for something, OK?" They shook their heads in bemused agreement.
I was astounded at the level of cooperation, peace and harmony we experienced that day. I could not bark commands across the house. I could not bark commands, period. To preserve what was left of my voice, I had to go to the children to get their attention. It was amazing for me to learn how very few commands and words are required to get through the day. As I reflected on this extraordinary experience, I realized I could bring the same peace and calm to days when I did have my voice, if I just didn't use it as much.
There are many opportunities to bring more silence into your daily interactions with your child. The goal is to look for these moments and transform them with the following five practices:,/p>
"Hurry up." "Come on." "Let's go." Children are often at the mercy of our hectic lives. If even sometimes we can allow them to set the pace, we bless them greatly.
Noisy environments, such as TV, cell phones, radios or a blaring stereo, provide little space to feel connection with our children or to hear our intuitive whispers. Try turning off your cell phone, TV and radio for short intervals during the day and bask in the stillness. Consider going on a TV fast for a week. If that sounds like too much, start small by turning it off during mealtimes or during the morning and bedtime routines.