It’s wonderful to take a moment and talk to children about what they’re worried about, what they’re mulling over, and what kind of thoughts trouble them. Getting these thoughts out–and having a loving adult reassure them–can make all the difference in the life of a child. My friend told me that a great parenting tip is to, each day, look your children fully in the face and give them ten minutes of undivided and undistracted attention.
You listen. You ask good questions. You don’t even move. You just look at them and listen to whatever they need to say.