It’s a simple question.
“What was the best part of your day?”
I don’t think that enough parents ask it.. we’re in the second week of kindergarten and I watch parents in the pick up line, on their phones (not anymore THANK YOU Texas for passing no cell phones in school zones!), or exasparated and rushing, not paying attention to the glow on their child’s face. Too busy with their business, their life, their importance… too busy to remember that their child is more than an entry in their daily schedule.
You asking your child, in the car, at the dinner table, at bedtime.. whenever you can…
“What was the best part of your day today”
It will mean the world to your child. Trust me, it shows in the sparkle in their eyes, the flush in their cheeks and the slight increase and hitch in their breathing as the excitement overtakes them.
But, here’s the thing…
Asking your child:
“What was the best part of your day?”
Will become, The best and most treasured part of yours.
I love that picture! She’s adorable. I definitely don’t ask that question enough. Thanks for the reminder!
.-= dysfunctional mom´s last blog ..Mrs. Understood =-.
so true. I always ask what the best part of the day was. Lately, she tries to tell me “she’s already forgotten the whole day”, which can’t be good…
.-= DesignHER Momma´s last blog ..Play Dohn’t =-.
You know, I remember my mom asking me “What did you do today?” to which I’d always respond “nothing.” I think “What’s the best part of your day?” seems a little nicer.
.-= trannyhead´s last blog ..Bigfoot is Real … and He Lives in My House =-.
We do this every day, atually. “Hi Lo” is what we call it. What did you like BEST about your day – what didn’t you like?
Every day.
The answers ALWAYS make me smile, because you quickly see that often it’s the littlest things that bring our kids joy. AND THAT’S AWESOME.
I’ve been trying to do this lately. So far my kids have kinda looked at me like I’m a crazy person…wait…that’s how they always look at me! Anyhoo…I’m trying to get into the habit of it and I think answering the question for ourselves, as mothers, is helpful as well. I know that too many times I dwell on the negative and forget to remember the good things that happened during the day.
Thanks for tip/reminder Rachel!
.-= Malia´s last blog ..Tethered =-.
We ask that every day at the dinner table…sometimes we get some crazy answers:)
I love this idea, and I can’t wait until my kiddo is old enough for this routine!
Great post!! I always try to ask, What did you like the most about today? And what did you like the least? You get some very interesting (and insightful!) answers that way!!
You know, I’ve been doing this off and on with my oldest for awhile, but I just started doing it every night at bedtime this week and he loves it. I lay next to him in bed and we talk about his day, then he asks me about mine. It extends the bedtime process a little bit, but it’s worth it!
This is a wonderful tip. My 10 year old doesn’t always feel like sharing her whole day, but sharing the best part? That’s no sweat. It’s incredible how much something that small can bring you closer when you do it often.
.-= Elisa´s last blog ..I’m awake. But it’s way too early for “’cause she’s a jolly good fellow”. =-.
This is why we always ask the kids to tell us at least one “awesome, amazing, or great” thing that happened at school. We want them to remember the fun times at school.
That pic is so cute, i can’t stand it!!! How thoughtful you are to ask caring questions of your daughter. I think that also shows her how important she is and that you value what she has to say. Good Mommy!
You know….I still do this with my 16 year old son. Every night when I get home from work, I drop everything I’m carrying (including my phone!) in the hall outside his bedroom door. I walk in, shut the door behind me, and sit on his bed. He’ll turn around at his desk, away from his homework, and we’ll just talk. About his day, about football practice, about whatever. It’s ten minutes out of my day, but it is my favorite ten minutes.
His too, because on the rare occasion I go to the kitchen first? He comes and tracks me down. 🙂
.-= Sports Mama´s last blog ..Definitions Are Subjective Sometimes =-.
Great idea! I remember my parents asking this.
.-= TexasRed´s last blog ..Another Donation Opportunity =-.
I love this! We do that at dinner and I love hearing about the kids’ days. I tend to ask them a million questions on the way home from school, and my son is already starting to get exasperated with that (“Mom, why do you want to know all this stuff?!”). But I figure that, even if I drive him a little crazy, it’s worth it to stay involved in what’s going on while he’s at school.
.-= Jaime @ A Place Out West´s last blog ..baby girl room to big girl room in a few simple steps =-.
I usually ask how did your day go or what did you learn today. I like the phrase what was the best part of your day … I agree that’s enough to make anyone smile!!
.-= Brandy´s last blog ..Supernanny Situation? =-.
I can’t wait for this part of my day! I yearn for it! 🙂
.-= Heather´s last blog ..Blueberries =-.
awesome. i have done this for years.
sometimes they are willing to tell. sometimes not. 😉
.-= the planet of janet´s last blog ..Birthday dinner: when my kids say what’s on my mind but don’t dare speak aloud =-.
I hate getting behind in my blog reading because your blog has been nothing short of amazing lately. More so than usual and I just didn’t know that was possible.
xoxo
.-= Miss´s last blog ..I fucking love you, bitch =-.
I love you. Thank you so much. I take that as a HUGE compliment, especially from someone whom I love to read so much and adore even more in person. xoxo
So true!
i love to do this…then i giggle all the way home. i’m amazed by the innocence and pure joy they can exude in their answers: the things they think were most important or impressive…the way they describe someone…the details they recall.
.-= Monica (peapodsquadmom)´s last blog ..P is for Polly Panda and the Plague and Promises =-.
They are amazing little creatures 😉 I can only imagine the chatter of 3 excited little voices as they scramble over each other to tell you first 🙂 too cute!
Great advice Rachel. Every parent should hear this message.
.-= OHmommy´s last blog ..PSA: Pink plastic flashlights scare away intruders =-.
Thanks sweetie! I hope y’all are having a great beginning to your school year, too!
That picture of her is PRECIOUS! OMG
We take turns going around the dinner table talking about our best part of the day. Now if we forget, the girls remind us! It’s a great family tradition.
.-= Jamie´s last blog ..Country Roads =-.
I love that! Family Traditions are so important and I love that the girls are holdin’ y’all to it!!
We do this every night at dinner. I also ask, “What was the worst part of your day?” too. It helps us work through their problems and I have learned a lot about what they deal with.
.-= Momo Fali´s last blog ..No Answer =-.
That is a great idea! What a wonderful way to gauge what they’re dealing with and how they handle it. xo
Agreed.
.-= Devilish Southern Belle´s last blog ..Such a slacker! Thursday 13, week 35 =-.