Join Sissy Goff and David Thomas as they share what kids need right now in this spring season after weathering two years in an uncertain world.

. . . . . . . . . .

SUBSCRIBE to the podcast so you never miss an episode!

If you haven’t already, listen to the podcast now:

What Kids Need Right Now

Kids Need Time With You.

Every child needs 10 minutes of non-agenda, focused time with their safe and steady grown-up every day.

Kids need the grown-ups in their lives to be the calmest person in the room.

. . . . . . . . . .

Research says one-on-one time will:

Strengthen your bond.

Help us remind kids of who they are.

Help their brain development.

. . . . . . . . . .

Laughter and play are nourishment to the brain.

Research says moms feel their parenting is more meaningful and less stressful when they are interacting with their kids.

Research says when dads are interacting with their kids, they are happier, calmer, have better marriages, and have better family functioning overall.

Kids have higher reading scores, better physical health, higher emotional intelligence, and adaptability when they have close, daily interaction with their parents.

Kids need safe spaces and someone to listen.

. . . . . . . . . .

Kids Need Something to Look Forward to.

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life. Proverbs 13:12 NLT

Kids are visual. Write things on a calendar that they can see.

We all need to anchor ourselves to things that make us feel hopeful.

. . . . . . . . . .

Kids Need Time with Peers.

They need practice with social skills. 

The social milestones of awareness and reciprocity are more important than ever.

. . . . . . . . . .

Kids Need the Grown-Ups Who Love Them to Just Enjoy Them.

What does time around the dinner table sound like?

. . . . . . . . . .

Intentional Practices:

Brainstorm ways to spend time with your kids daily. Here are some ideas:

Ideas for connecting with your kids for 10 minutes:

• Read a book together.
• Cook with a different child each night.
• Go on a walk around the neighborhood.
• Have a dance party.
• Do an art project.
• Run errands and take turns grocery shopping with each child.
• Let your older child stay up 15 minutes later.
• Get on the floor and play with them.
• Talk about the things they love.
• Play a game or make up a game.

Add a little glitter to the fun in your family planning to indicate things to look forward to!

Help your child gradually work toward social reengagement. 

• Start with the friend they are most comfortable with.
• Help them come up with a plan for their time together.
• Give them some “back-pocket” questions they can ask.
• Practice until they get comfortable.

Identify your best entry point for enjoyment with each child.