Stop, look, and listen is another thing my mom did well when I had something to tell her.  Whether as a child or an adult, I can remember her often stopping what she was doing so she could give me her full attention.  Admittedly, this is not easy for me to do as a mom.  I’m a busy body and very task oriented, so it’s difficult for me to stop in the middle of something and switch gears.  However, if I know I can’t take time right then to listen adequately, I try to stop long enough to give eye contact and give my child a specific time when I will be able to listen.  Then, the trick is remembering to follow-up!  Another thing I have to work at being conscious of is that what may be important in a child’s world is not always the same as what I think is important.  For example, I couldn’t care less about Star Wars, but that’s one of my son’s current love languages.  🙂  Not that I haven’t nodded and said “hm….interesting” my fair share.  But, I’ve also noticed it brings him joy when I stop what I’m doing, look at him, and listen to his stories of other galaxies.

“It’s up to each parent to use eye contact to convey unconditional love.”  Dr. Ross Campbell in How to Really Love Your Child
This book has two great chapters called “How to Show Love through Eye Contact” and “How to Show Love through Focused Attention” that detail just how powerful the act of  stopping, looking, and listening can be in parenting.

“My dear brothers, take note of this:  Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”  James 1:19