Uninvited Guests - Use the News

Party-crashers at the White House -- what an outlandish story!

It seems people will do anything for 15 minutes of fame these days, including pretending they're something they're not.

If you have boys that are upper elementary or older, this story was bound to start some dinnertime conversation.

So use the news. Ask your sons questions, like:

• What did this couple do wrong?
• Why was it wrong?
• Can you remember a time when someone pretended to be someone they were not? What happened?
• Lots of people want to be on TV or to be famous. What do YOU want?

I learned quite a bit as I researched for my book, but here are two things I discovered the importance of: questioning your children and breaking bread together.

Professionals say that when you ask thoughtful questions of your sons, you're showing they have worth. You're saying, "You have thoughts and opinions, and I want to hear them."

And family dinners? An article from the Boston Herald states, "Dr. Catherine Snow, professor at Harvard's Graduate School of Education, followed 65 families over an eight year period. She found that dinnertime was of more value to child development than playtime, school, and story time. Clearly, there is value in breaking bread together."

So, why not use those teachable moments in the news the next time you're at the dinnertable together?

Some families have a jar full of topics or questions. There are articles that list conversation starters to use with your children.

How do YOU get them talking?

Leave a comment -- share what has worked for you!

For the love of boys,

Laura