THE QUALITY OF CONVERSATION

Do you sometimes find yourself with your Pre-teen or teen Grandkids, and the conversation isn’t flowing as it used to? I used to get a call each Sunday morning from my three wonderful Grandchildren when they were on their 25-minute ride to church. At that time, they were like 10 to 15. I say used to because two of them now drive, and they are not allowed to use their phones while driving, a practice which I endorse since they are new to the whole driving experience. However, I digress. When they called with the three of them in the car, the conversation went something like this. 15-year-old, I understand that you and your best friend went to a conference on music; how did that go.? Oh, I didn’t know you met the boys; I thought you went to learn more about music. Laughter! The 14-year-old; Your Mom tells me you have been volunteering with a Horse rescue program. What interesting stuff are you learning about horses? Long conversation. 10-year-old; silence! How are things going at your new school? OK, silence. Are you making new friends? Not really, silence? Are the teachers nice? I guess, silence. Have you joined any teams or groups? No………. silence.