Attentiveness

Candid camera

Any time

Record conversations with your children, either by video or as an audio recording.

Discussion point: It’s important not to tune others out, and to be quick to obey.

Doe your children often defend their inattentiveness with the excuse, “But I didn’t hear you”? This activity will help remind your children not to “tune you out.”

Surreptitiously video each child while your spouse, friend or relative is making a request. Capture examples of each child ignoring the request. Try to capture occasions when your children were quick to hear and obey, too. (Alternatively, make an audio recording. Small hand-held tape recorders for grocery lists and other reminders are available for minimal cost.)

After recording, play the conversations back to your kids. Discuss what they did right, and how they can respond more promptly in the future.