Time to talk...

Long car rides, train trips, boat excursions all provide us with extra time to talk. I like to think that we make the time to talk about important things at home, but I know that this trip has given my family the opportunity to tackle some interesting topics. Part of it is the ages of the kids and their inquisitive nature. Maybe part of it is also the fact that Craig and I haven't talked to as many adults over the past 4 months as we would normally, and therefore may be more open to discussing what seem to be 'mature topics'. 

Over the past months, I can recall discussions I've had with either one or both of the kids about some pretty meaty and broad topics. Many of them initiated by the girls...either through relentless questions to which I've responded as honestly as I could, or from something that 'just seems to come up". In addition to many discussions on cultural differences and food (!!!), we've also discussed Canadian politics, mortgages and interest rates, world poverty, current immigration situation in Canada, the Syrian refugee crisis, the difference between Sunni and Shiite Muslims (I had no idea and shamefully had to ask Craig), religion, inclusion and homosexuality, transgender issues, how to plan for retirement, drugs and alcohol, smoking, higher education and career options, bullying and harassment, sexual abuse, consent and why no means no, divorce, pregnancy and birth (don't worry Melly, it's all sunshine and roses) etc! 

On more than one occasion I have felt out of my depth.  Either because I don't know the answers or because I have strong views and try as I may to present information objectively, I can't help but infuse my beliefs and values. Most of the time, this is okay but when it comes to religion, politics, I do want my children to develop their own points of view, their own thoughts and beliefs. I have said "you should google that" which means "I actually haven't a frickin clue". It has made me read the newspaper a bit more, ask more questions and do my own quick Wikipedia searches. It has also reinforced how impressionable, malleable and open minded kids are. Amazing but also scary for a parent! 

Don't get me wrong though, we've had our fair share of discussions about the zombie apocalypse, farts, pimples, mine craft, poo and the latest tween & teen fashion. We are a normal family but we have more time together than we used to or likely ever will again. Good opportunity to chat for sure, I just hope the answers and advice and mini-lectures are the right ones.