THE POINT OF “POINTLESS” CONVERSATIONS | Did you know that every “pointless” conversation that you have with your little one actually has a HUGE impact on their development. As an adult I can sometimes become impatient with the repetition of questions, the unintelligible stories, and the drawn out narratives that Zion(3) weaves together. Let’s be real about it, they feel pointless, however they are far from it! Those very questions, stories, and narratives are the things that help Zion understand about the world. They are also what clue me in on what Zion is thinking, learning and feeling. This is why the Basic, Talk, Sing and Point is so important.
As I engage in his stories by asking questions, it helps him think through what he’s trying to communicate. When we are on a walk and he points out a passing airplane, I may ask about the color of the clouds or sky that the airplane is passing through, expanding the conversation. This models human interaction, conversational skills, active listening, and builds connection by showing him that what he says and thinks actually matters. When we are out playing Spidey & Spin, he says, “I see the bad guys over there.” So I point in the direction and respond with “By the trees?” or “Under the slide?”, connecting objects to their names and showing him that I’m engaged in our game. (He can totally tell when I’m not lol.) Talk, Sing and Point teaches Zion so much and as he is learning, I am learning patience and to savor these seemingly insignificant moments that as a tired parent I often wish away. So I guess the Basics are beneficial for me just as much as they are for little Zion!
By: Kenny Roberts – Podcaster with True Dad Podcast, Children’s Book Author
