Late Night Conversations

We can't protect them forever. Statistics show that kids are being exposed to things we wouldn't choose—whether visual, substance-related, emotional, physical, or relational—at younger and younger ages. From friends. From others at school. From family. From ads. From social media. From movies. And the scary part is, we may never know how, when, or even if they were exposed.

In light of this, we've decided to try preparing our 8-year-old a little earlier than we might feel comfortable with. We're calling it Late Night Conversations. Every Friday night, when we can manage it and extra nights if he needs it, we'll invite our 8-year-old son to stay up a little later than his two younger brothers, enjoy a fun snack, and chat with just us—his parents. These nights may cover a variety of topics, ranging from personal challenges we see him facing to navigating tricky situations we anticipate him facing in life. It might simply be a time for him to talk about anything he wants with us.

We had our first session recently, and it went well. For his privacy, I won't share what was discussed, but he spoke openly with us and especially enjoyed the treat and the chance to stay up later than his brothers. Some things we said may have gone over his head, but I’d rather take the chance that he understands than leave those things unsaid. He was silly at times—as you'd expect from a child—and deeply engaged at others.

Our hope is that these Late Night Conversations will be a core memory for him and help develop a few values that are important to us. We hope these nights:

1. Build the kind of relationship where he feels comfortable telling us or asking us anything

2. Help him understand and manage his emotions

3. Make him feel heard—without little brothers interrupting

4. Prepare him for life outside our home

5. Develop good and wise character

At the heart of these Late Night Conversations is our deep desire for our son, and our other sons when it's their turn, to know they are not alone—not just because they have us, but because they have a Savior who loves them far more perfectly than we ever could. As we guide them through the ups and downs of growing up, we want to point them to Jesus—the one who understands them completely, who offers wisdom, grace, and truth, and who will never leave them.

Our prayer is that God gives us the words and wisdom to do Late Night Conversations well. We pray that these small, intentional moments lead to big, eternal truths taking root in their hearts. That they would learn to bring their questions, fears, and joys not just to us, but to Jesus. And that, over time, they would see that no matter what they face in this world, they are known, loved, and held by the One who created them.