Some families make a regular habit of chatting through the day with their children, often at a set time like over a meal or just before bed. The whole family get to participate and it can become a wonderful time to share highlights and lowlights, and to practise great listening and sharing.
The idea of a ‘daily debrief’ actually has its roots in a spiritual ritual called the examen. The examen that was designed to help people discover what is bringing joy and contentment to their life, and what is worrying or challenging. Many people never really get the opportunity or the invitation to share their needs and desires and have others listen and care. This ritual provides an opportunity for this to take place.
While the ancient practice of examen may sound somewhat lofty to us today, it actually lands really well in modern family life and offers a profound opportunity for connection with our kids. And it’s been rebranded! You could refer to it as ‘The Daily News’ or ‘Highs and Lows’. I’ve even heard families call it ‘High, Low, Buffalo’ (whereby a ‘buffalo’ is a ‘wow’ moment or a random fact learnt that day). And of course you could also come up with something fresh and new that resonates with your family.