Organise a 10 minute Q&A with the kids

Let them ask you anything and answer honestly and openly with them.
Make notes about what was said and how you feel afterwards.

It was a sunny afternoon during the first lockdown of the pandemic,
this is one of my lasting memories.

It’s fascinating what my kids have on their mind that doesn’t come out in
conversation until I created the space and permission to do it. Like many a
professional setting, we don’t find out the real crux of an issue or develop
better relationships without working on the conversations to identify and
develop.

During the lockdown that came with the pandemic we had a lot of time
under each other’s feet. This meant there were times things could get a little
stressful or short tempered. I was conscious though that lockdown and the
constraints that came with it also affected the kids not just us grown ups,
so I wanted to check in with them too and show them that their opinion and
feelings matter.

So a couple of times a week I would arrange a 10 minute 1 to 1 with each of
them that they controlled the agenda. It was brilliant to see them setting up
the space in the garden; a little table, kids chairs, a plate of biscuits and 2
glasses of water!

It was such a nice time that I remember fondly when then kids would truly
share what is on their mind as my whole attention was on them. I really think
it helped them and something I want to continue but as things returned back
more to what normal was in 2019, habits get dropped or forgotten.
New ways of working and living were highlighted in 2020 that benefitted
many and encouraged a better work life blend. So I often wonder, why the
race to go back to pre pandemic working patterns? The 10 minute Q&A is one
of my lasting memories so something I really need to continue!