Talking Sticks

Today I had Quality Time with my 12 year old daughter. We didn’t do anything special; it was a day where we lived along side one another, doing our own activities.
We shared eating times together. We went to the supermarket.

It was a great day.

Being with her today reminded me of the time when we made “talking sticks.”

The talking stick was used by the North American Indian tribes. It was honoured and respected and passed around at council meetings. Whoever was holding the talking stick had the right to be heard uninterrupted. Nowadays the concept is used in groups so as to avoid discussions degenerating into mayhems.

This idea can be used in your home.

In busy household’s children can feel that they are not listened to.
If a child has something that they would like to share with you, sitting with the talking stick gives them the knowledge that they have your undivided attention.

MAKE YOUR OWN STICK
It is fun to make your own stick; so why not go for a walk with your child. Explore along a beach or forest. Let your child find their stick, explain that is has to be functional, and able to be comfortably held in their hand.
Decorate your stick; get out your craft box, find ribbons, wool, feathers, beads, paints, felt pens, etc;
Now ask your child to choose materials or do drawings on the stick that represent aspects of their life.
Suggestions: Their favourite animal, what they like doing; dancing, singing. Think about symbolizing virtues, such as love, kindness, honesty, sharing, co-operation, patience.

The idea is to make their stick personal. something they can relate to.

I hope you enjoy.