How to Find Time to Connect With Kids in a Large Family, Part Two

In part one of How to Find Time to Connect With Kids in a Large Family, Michele wrote about taking advantage of the micro moments and grabbing a child for a cuddle. Kids, especially the youngest crowd, respond so well to this. Even a smile or an approving expression when they glance your way fills a little emotional cup.

In our home, there are more than just little people, though. My big kids aren't kids (nearly 22 and 20), and so connecting with them takes on a different meaning. We text. A lot. Just this morning I texted the oldest a simple "I love you", to which he responded that he loved me more. Really, the big thing is availability for the older kids, who often want to plop down in our bedroom after 11 p.m. and spill their souls.

***Kendra & her girls plus friend, summer 2014***

A note in a lunchbox. A simple, "Thanks for putting the Christmas stuff away, hon. I really appreciate it." Listening to a story they want to tell or reading a book they want to hear.

A million little ways to connect, and you can find them just by tuning in to each child's personality and needs. Our 17-year-old son tends to operate far below radar; mellow, easy-going, content, thankful. If we bring him a burrito on our way home, he sees that as love packaged in a white paper wrapper.