This reminds me of my own son and our chats about how to tell a story. Sometimes he’ll be telling me about something. I want him to talk to me. I want him to share. But I also want him to develop communication skills on how to tell a good story that others — who don’t love him as much as I — will listen to.

So, I gently ask him to think about beginning, middle, and end. Where’s the action? What should I know when he’s done with his tale?

It’s hard because I don’t want to squash him. But I also want to help him be heard better by others.

However, he’s nine now, not four. And I definitely remember the loooong stories. And like you, struggled to break in with needed information, like teeth brushing reminders, without eliciting a frustrated — “LISTEN!”

Once, he was so annoyed that adults weren’t listening to him that we had to have a talk. The fact is, people listen when they want to hear what you have to say — so best to say it in a way they can and want to hear it!

But, I love that kids want to narrate their lives. It’s lovely, wondrous and an opportunity for a teachable moment too.