Stop, look and listen.
My daughter has learned that before you cross a street or parking lot you need to “stop, look, and listen”. She is our family’s safety cop, always taking our hands and reminding us to stop, look both ways, and listen for approaching cars.
We have a newborn in the house now. And, it’s an adjustment for all of us. I find that there is so much going on, that it is hard to stay focused. The other day as I was washing dishes my daughter asked me a question. I was wrapped up in what I was doing and thinking about the laundry list of things that needed to be done. I clearly wasn’t paying attention to what she was saying. Understandably, she became frustrated with me. That is when I heard a voice in my head say “Stop, Look, and Listen”. I stopped washing the dishes, I turned and looked right into her eyes, and I listened to what she had to say. Satisfied with the answer I gave her, she went merrily on her way.
In all the daily demands and craziness of life, it is important to stop, look and listen to those around us. Especially our children. Giving them our undivided attention helps them to know that their voices are important. Not to mention they learn by example the importance of listening.
- Malinda Moseley
