If your child does something that you don’t agree with, or could be done better, do you spend more than 5 minutes hounding them about what they didn’t do right or telling them what they should have done?

When our kiddos make mistakes, it’s easy to put on the preaching hat and tell them at that very moment everything that should have occurred. That’s what we call learning by the firehose.

But how much of that works?

Not a whole lot. In fact, it just clears the surface level of the fire.

Instead, parents need to approach the training with a small concentrated stream. That pierces through the mess and gets down a lot deeper.

Think about a washcloth after taking off your make-up. If you use the general water faucet, it rinses most of the make-up out, but still leaves a little residue. It doesn’t go as deep.

But change to a fine stream, and you have a deep-cleaned washcloth with almost no makeup left.

Engage the fine stream.

The K.I.S.S. ~ Engage the fine stream!

You don’t want your wisdom to fall on deaf ears. So engage the fine stream to pierce their mind, body, and spirit.

When you train up your children, you are raising up the whole individual.

1. Encourage Questioning and Curiosity

To develop a deeper understanding of life, children must be encouraged to ask questions, probe for answers, and have a curious mindset. Encourage your child to ask questions about the world around them, such as why the sky is blue, why leaves change color, or why the moon looks different at night. As you answer these questions, encourage your child to have a conversation that goes beyond the basics.

2. Teach Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence is a key factor in developing deeper meaning in life. Teach your child to recognize and name their emotions, understand how they affect their daily life, and empathize with others. Encourage them to express their feelings in healthy ways and develop their emotional vocabulary.

3. Explore Different Cultures and Perspectives

Introduce your child to different cultures, worldviews, and perspectives through books, movies, or conversations with people who have different backgrounds. By embracing diversity, your child will learn that everyone has a unique perspective and can enrich our understanding of life. Remember you don’t have to agree with someone, but you can respect their position.

4. Teach Self-Reflection and Mindfulness

Teaching your child to reflect on their actions, decisions, and thoughts can help them understand themselves better. Encourage them to journal or meditate to help them gain insight and clarity. Create a positive, supportive environment where your child can feel comfortable exploring their feelings and thoughts.

5. Focus on Personal Growth (Who they are becoming)

Help your child realize that life is a journey. Teach them of their worth not in their success or failures, but in whose they are. Encourage them to set goals, envision their future, and create steps to achieve their goals. Teach them to view life as a journey, and not just a destination.

When you encourage curiosity, teach emotional intelligence, explore different cultures and perspectives, and encourage self-reflection, your child will develop an understanding of life that goes beyond just the surface level. No more firehose learning for the most part.

Train up and nurture an inquisitive, mindful, and empathetic child who will be capable of navigating life with a better understanding of its deeper meaning.

“Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!“