Do you have a tendency to ignore, brush off, or dismiss the random ideas your older kids share? Pay attention. If you initially feel like the child is sharing a bad idea, what is your response?

How we respond impacts how willing our kids are to share with us as they grow. If we are consistently shutting down their ideas or dismissing their perspective, will they come to us when they need to sort through a more important issue?

They might. They might not. We increase the odds if we show them that we are willing to LISTEN, LEARN, and ENGAGE. Today you might be talking about Minecraft or a stunt they tried at the skatepark, but tomorrow it could be something more impactful.