Having a child with ADHD or Autism is not easy.  Often as parents we struggle to try to always do what’s best for our children.  But sometimes what they really need is not so complicated after all.  We found this message from Mary Stuart to really resonate with us. 

 

A LISTENING HEART

 Mary Stuart

 

The greatest gift we can give to a child is a listening heart!

Children want to talk, engage and share their exciting life of exploration.  I love listening and getting caught up in their world of discovery!

The art of listening is a life skill and one that takes time, concentration and intention.

And, there is so much we can learn when we just listen!

Our busy world of the “to do’s”, meeting deadlines, running errands, and life in general often leaves us little time to just listen to the voice of childhood, the voice of discovery, the voice of joy, the voice of curiosity, or the voice of need…  We all want to be seen, heard, felt and listened to…what a great gift we can give each other!  

Most people can hear…few people can listen!

As the daily routine of “rush” swirls around us, maybe can reflect on this simple strategy:  Can I quiet my mind and my voice long enough to really listen to someone else especially our children?

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”   Leo Buscaglia

Listen and silent are spelled with the same letters….

LISTEN WITH INTENT

Smile:  Let a child know that you see them; you are interested and want some together time!

Think about how you look when listening

Keep an open mind to what they have to offer you

Quiet your own agenda to teach, tell, explain…

Convey the message, “I hear you.”

Most people do not listen to understand they listen with the intent to reply.  Stephen R Covey

The quieter you become the more you can hear…

HERE’S TO HAPPY DAYS LISTENING WITH YOUR HEART!