Wednesday, February 28, 2007

WFMW



He's almost 10, an artist, a melancholy by temperament, tender-hearted, prone to be self-critical, and a middle child. Often he feels misunderstood.

He'd had a hard evening. In the morning, he wasn't feeling much better. We talked about it and resolved some things but still he wasn't himself. Later as I was walking through the living room I spied a small note on the piano bench placed where I would see it. It had one word written in his handwriting - a simple "Sorry!" A heart draw as the dot on the exclamation point. He had said this early but apparently he felt like he hadn't said it quite right.

I had an idea.

I took a clean sheet of paper, wrote him a message, and put it silently on his dresser where I knew he would see it. Then when I walked by after a while, I noticed that he had written me a message back. Our note writing went on like this in small bursts over the next few days until the paper was full.



So today I bought a notebook for us. I placed it on his dresser with this first simple message inside,

This notebook is for us. If you have messages for me, write them here,
and if I have a message for you, I'll do the same.


Later I'll check for a reply. Just another way to make a connection with him. I figure - the more ways we have, the better.

Being creative about keeping the communication channels open - works for me.

Don't forget to drop by Rocks in My Dryer today for more helpful ideas. Next week is WFMW: The Kitchen Edition! As Shannon describes it: "Have a clever way you organize your recipes? Plan your meals? Stock your pantry? Clean your appliances?" Get your ideas ready and share them at Rocks in My Dryer next week.

9 comments:

Lori said...

Ann this is really sweet! And with boys I think you do need to be creative in the communication area!

Beth/Mom2TwoVikings said...

Oh, that is SUCH a sweet idea! Good for you for figuring it out! I'll file this away for when mine actually learn to write! LOL

Susanne said...

I love how this idea started. So, so sweet! I've heard of passing journals for teens and heard they work really quite well for when they can't talk out loud also. Great tip!

Meliss said...

My daughter likes this idea so we may try it!

Shalee said...

Love how you let this spur of the moment idea evolve into a love fest, not only for him, but for you as well.

Anonymous said...

How sweet. I love that! Something he'll go back and look at for years to come, I'm sure.

Jim said...

Ann,
You are such a good Mom!! Thanks for sharing!

Blessings,
Renee

Michelle said...

I love this idea! How neat and creative! can you imagine what it'll be like years from now when you can look back on this notebook and see the "conversations" you two had?

Anonymous said...

I love this. Hubby does it with the kids hereand it is such a blessing.