Hey Everyone! If you read my last post,then you know that I have taken a break from my regular blogging schedule in order to try a few publishing experiments. With that said, I am excited to share my latest project–a book of fun, funny, and engaging conversations starters for families. If you act fast, you can get the eBook for free. Download your complementary copy here: 131 Conversations That Engage Kids.
I wrote this books specifically for parents who want to help their children pause their electronic devices and engage in face-to-face conversations. While researching this book, I discovered that the average family spends less than 8 hours together each week, and much of this time is spent zoned-out in front of the television, internet, or on a cell-phone. In fact, some 13 year-olds report checking their social-media accounts as much as 100 times a day.
The good news is that advances in technology mean our children are learning more than ever before. The bad news is technological advances are leading to children to be more disconnected than any previous generation. For some, electronic communication is far easier than connecting with a real, living, breathing, human being. Face-to-face social skills that were once common knowledge are no longer as well-known as they once were. I wrote this book in order to help solve this problem. In short, this book provides additional tools to help parents engage and connect with their kids. In fact, it’s a great resource for mentors, teachers, and coaches too!
Writing For Me
I wrote 131 Conversations That Engage Kids, because I enjoy asking questions, listening, and supporting others engage in face-to-face conversations. I wrote this book because thinking of fun, engaging, and creative conversations that engage my own children is something I enjoy doing. My hope is that you and your family will benefit from the conversations in this book too. In addition to a multitude of highly-engaging conversations, you will also discover:
- Why conversations matter, and why connecting with others is so important.
- Three strategies that engage kids and keep the conversation going.
- Five tools to help children develop good social skills.
- How to use conversations to guide children toward positive change.
Why Free?
You may be wondering why an author would give his book away for free. I do this for a number of reasons. First, it is my way of thanking you for reading this blog. Second, it’s an excellent way to stay connected. Third, I love giving stuff away, and I truly believe this book will be a blessing to you and your family!
Finally, if you enjoy the book, I am hoping that you will help me spread the news! You can do this through social media, or by leaving and Amazon review. This is one of the biggest ways that independent authors, like myself, connect with new readers. So, if you love the book, or know a family that might benefit from creative family time, please consider spreading the word!
Share Page: 131 Conversations That Engage Kids
To make sharing easy, I created this share page. Simply click on the images and tweets below to help spread the word!
[Tweet “Get your family talking with 131 Conversations That Engage Kids! Free for a limited time.”]
Conversation Starters Include
[Tweet “If the zoo offered to let you keep one exotic animal as a pet, which animal would you bring home?”]
[Tweet “If you were principal of your school for a day, what is one school rule that you would change?”]
[Tweet “No two snowflakes are exactly alike. No two people are the same either. What makes you unique?”]
[Tweet “In your opinion, what flavor of ice cream should never be invented?”]
[Tweet “Who is the bravest person you know? What do you think it is that makes this person so brave?”]
Of course, I would love to hear from you and continue the conversation in the comments below. How do you encourage you kids to unplug and grow their face-to-face connections? What has been a recent conversation that you had with your family? Do you have a favorite conversation from the book? I can’t wait to hear from you!
Hey, Jed. Great to see a post. I’ve had a mounting awareness of your absence (that’s nerd-speak for “I missed you”).
One apropos story first. Years back, I mentored two high school boys who were friends. I’ll call them Andrew and Brett for this story. As college trips became a reality, these two planned a road trip with two of Brett’s friends whom Andrew didn’t know. The four headed out and stayed in a hotel. While they were away, Andrew texted me, expressing that he was feeling rejected and angry, because he felt Brett was giving him the cold shoulder in favor of his other friends. I asked Andrew if he’d tried just asking Brett to step aside, explaining how he was feeling. Andrew said, “I just texted him about it, but he hasn’t gotten back to me.” I asked, “Aren’t you all on the same trip?” and “Where’s Brett now?” Andrew texted back: “Yes, we’re in the same hotel room. He’s on the other bed.” And this didn’t seem the least bit odd to Andrew — that, rather than talk face-to-face to Brett who was 6 feet away, he’d texted him and then gotten upset when he didn’t get a text back.
So, I concur, that any tool such as your book that helps people figure out how to talk to one another is a great tool to have!
It’s funny: with kids I mentor or just friends in life, many people look at me as some sort of sorcerer, because I can talk with just about anyone and I can keep a conversation alive and fun. People express that they just don’t ever have real conversations with people, and so it stands out when we’re together, and they ask me, “How do you do it? What’s the secret?” And my answer is simple:
I practice.
Hey Erik,
Wow, what relevant and eye-opening story. I sucked into technology–especially my phone –far too much. Yet, it’s my girls who are really going to have to learn to navigate this. Great point about good conversation skills coming with practice. It does take work. And it’s something that I need to practice more. I’ve been meaning to call you and just noticed you posted–so sorry for keeping you waiting.
I’m a morning person, and I think it’s still pretty early in your part of the world, so I’ll wait a little just a little longer, but I’m looking forward to talking 🙂