Discussion Box

One of my favorite traditions that we do all year is called Discussion Box. I find it especially enjoyable and meaningful during November when we are trying to refocus as a family and soak in the fact that we are SO BLESSED!
Discussion Box is just a decorated box, bucket, tin or plain old bowl full of questions. We keep it on our dinner table and each night different kids draw out a question. Then we go around the table answering the question. It really helps us parents not to talk about "grown up" stuff and leave the kids out. It also helps the kids learn about each other and us. Most importantly though... it gives everyone a chance to share their thoughts and feel special. I usually change the questions based on the theme of the month... Here are some good November/Thankful questions to give you an idea of what we do.

- Name something about each family member you are especially thankful for.
- What food are you most looking forward to at Thanksgiving and what food are you hoping isn't on the table?
- Tell us a story of a time you felt God used you to be a blessing in someone else's life.
- If you were on the Mayflower what would have been the hardest thing for you and what might you have enjoyed?
- Would you rather be an Indian or a Pilgrim? Why?
- Do you think we spend enough time talking about the effects the pilgrims had on the natives of America? What do you think are some effects we should always remember?
- Think of a creative way we as a family could bless a group of people in need this month?
- Would you rather dress up like an Indian and do a tribal dance for our family on Thanksgiving OR dress up like a pilgrim and sing a hymn for everyone?

This is one tradition your family might enjoy in November (watch out... the kids might not want to stop after Thanksgiving). In fact even if I run out of questions in my box the kids still say "Can I do discussion box" and that means they get to make up a question. We have had so many wonderful conversations with each other based on these kinds of questions and I would encourage you to give this a try! DO NOT forget that this is not a teaching time for us as parents... it is a time for our kids to share their hearts! KEEP IT FUN!

Fun Fact... this is how I told my husband and kids we were expecting baby #4. I filled our box with several papers that all had the same question typed on them. The question was this... Babies are such a blessing from God! How do you feel about the fact that God has blessed us again with another baby growing inside moms belly? I had asked Kyle to read the question and as he read it he started laughing... then he looked at me and saw tears in my eyes. He quickly got up and gave me a big hug. Adia started asking what was going on and then dad read the question to the kids and we all laughed and had a wonderful evening talking about the baby we would soon meet. Now Adison is 2 and that is such a precious memory for us all!