In the Know, Vol. 40: Why Creating Intentional Connections is Key
You might be surprised to learn that I’m a NASCAR fan, watch it most Sundays, and own a t-shirt repping my favorite driver. You might also raise an eyebrow at my diverse music taste when I mention Luke Combs and Lizzo in the same sentence. In the same vein, would you ever guess that my favorite TV show is Yellowstone? Maybe I’m wrong, and none of these will surprise you, but I bet you’re at least curious about how I came to appreciate these unlikely favorites.
Well, it’s simple…my kids. As they entered their teenage years, my husband and I knew that if we wanted to continue growing our relationships with them, we had to find ways to intentionally connect with each of them. So, we made a conscious effort to meet each of them where they were and bond with them over a shared interest. So now we are Yellowstone-loving, Lizzo-listening, NASCAR fans. Who would’ve thought!?
The same intentionally is important in Known Collective mentoring groups. If you want to cultivate authentic community and deep connection, you must speak to your mentees in a way that connects with where they are.
If you’re leading a group of mentees with children, use your catch-up time at the beginning of the meeting to ask them about their kids. This provides an opportunity to laugh together at a funny toddler story or to reassure them when they want to pull their hair out over teenage decisions.
Then, as your discussion progresses into net-outs and homework, point out how that month’s topic can impact their parenting. As mentors, we need to remember that what our mentees are learning each month shapes who they are as women and who they become as wives and moms, too.
The women in your group need you in their corner. They want to hear about times when you were a great parent and even more about times you weren’t so great and how you learned from them. When you take time to get to know your mentees in this way, you’ll better understand how to guide their paths and help them avoid the same mistakes you made. And it’ll shape the way you pray for them throughout your journey together.
Reflect on how you’ve intentionally invested in your relationships with your children. What are some lessons you learned that you want to pass along to your mentees?
If you don’t have children, reflect on how your mom or dad intentionally invested in their relationship with you. What did you learn from this investment?
Heavenly Father, thank You for the children You have given me. Help me to love them well. I pray for wisdom as I parent today. Give me space on my calendar for fun and the courage to follow through, knowing that the willingness to do this speaks volumes to my children’s hearts. Lead me today so that I may, in turn, lead them well and help me remember that You are on this parenting journey with me. Amen.
RAISING BOYS AND GIRLS PODCAST: MODERN PARENTS, VINTAGE VALUES
On the Raising Boys and Girls podcast, Sissy Goff, David Thomas, and Melissa Trevathan encourage and empower parents with help and hope for top-of-mind topics. This episode is about balancing the value of old-school truths with the reality of what kids need in today’s world. It’s a great listen to inspire you along your journey of raising kids in today’s world. And even if your kids are grown, but you mentor those with kids at home, give it a listen to help understand their challenges and pick up some wisdom you can pass along.
P.S. Sissy Goff also shares amazing free daily resources and prompts for parents on her Instagram. Find her at @sissygoff.
WIRE TALK WITH KAREN STUBBS: WORTH THE FIGHT
HOW TO REALLY LOVE YOUR CHILD, DR. ROSS CAMPBELL
Create safe environments where women can bring life's deepest questions.
Known Collective provides everything you need to implement a mentoring process to help women leave comparison at the door and enter a space where they can be real and engage in conversations that matter.