Committing to Communication

Communication: it's something that every living person has in common, we may not all communicate in the same way, there are different languages, a smile, a wave, laughter, a look on the face, but it is something that we all learn at a young age. 

When Kyle and I first started dating I learned right away that he was an EXCELLENT communicator, something I definitely lucked out on; we all know that communication tends to be a part of the relationship that guys lack in. However, for us, Kyle was an even better communicator than was. I attribute his great skills to his awesome parents and the fact that he was the only boy and had THREE sister- he had to learn how to communicate or he probably would have gone crazy! 

As we got to know each other more we learned more efficient ways to communicate with each other and without communication no relationship would ever last. 

Before we got married we took a pre-married class with our pastor and what do you think was one of the hot topics up for discussion? That's right-COMMUNICATION. We talked about things in our relationship that would change and grow and how communication was a big part of that after we got married. 

After Harper was born, we now had something new to learn, how to communicate with an infant who doesn't have any idea what you are saying. As a new parent you communicate with your child through touch; you hold them, snuggle them, feed them, make them feel safe. And as your child grows these ways of communication mature and grow. 

Before Harper could talk, I taught her sign language, this was a new and exciting experience as my child was actually communicating back to me! Sometimes though there are not even a need for words. All parents out there know what I am talking about, there is that "look" you give to your child to make them freeze in their tracks, the occasional snap of the fingers to get their attention, or even a smile or laugh that they will copy. 

We communicate to our kids in so many ways we don't even realize, by reading to them, singing to them, dancing, playing, tickling; every little thing you do communicates a message to your child in some way. 

There are so many important and different ways that we, as adults, learn to communicate. We then will pass down these things to our children. The more I think about it the more I hope that my ways of communication are nothing but love, kind and encouraging words and things that Harper will one day pass down to her children.