Mom Q&A -- From Witching to Bewitching Hour

When my kids were little, the bewitching hour was that time of day when they were tired, hungry and cranky -- usually late afternoon. I couldn’t wait for that hour to pass; it was awful. I think every mother has experienced this time. It may be the afternoon, or it may be the hour before bedtime, but either way, it seems to be the longest hour of the day.

Now that my kids are teenagers, the bewitching hour is the time right after school and it’s glorious.  Unlike the earlier days, I look forward to the time that flies by way too quickly.

The bewitching hour is now the time my kids open up and share their days with me.

There’s something about them walking in after school when I’m in the kitchen that allows for some great conversation.  Many times with teenagers, conversations are primarily one sided -- parents asking questions and teenagers giving one- or two-word answers.  During the bewitching hour, it’s a totally different dynamic.

Both kids come home and hang out in the kitchen with me for a brief period.  They may tell me what they did at school, or they may talk about homework. More often, they simply share stories of their days.  Not specifically about what they did, but what happened in general.  These general stories give a lot of insight into their world.  From the conversations, I can gauge good days and bad days. I hear what they notice in life and what they find funny.  I get an idea of how they interact with other people. 

These are wonderful things to hear.  The bewitching hour provides more information than asking questions.  It shows the depth of their personalities. It shows what kind of people they are becoming. It’s great fun to look at your children and see what wonderful adults they are becoming.

Some of my friends say their best times with their children are before school or after dinner. The hour doesn’t matter as long as you make time for your children when they are ready to talk. 

What are your tips for getting your children to open up? Share your tips in our comment section below.