TalkToMe: 8 Things Your Mom Never Told You

Conversations are the glue between parents and their kids. It is the essential element in a strong relationship. Many parents fall into the trap of thinking that in a conversation with their children, it is their job to talk and their children’s job to listen. However, before taking on this notion, parents need to realize that this is actually very far from the truth. In actuality, it is both parents’ and children’s jobs to listen and talk in a conversation.

It is important that parents proactively seek conversations with their children on a daily basis. Here are some suggestions for how you can engage with your child in a conversation.

Anthony Chillemi: Tell me something you’ve never told me.

Stacey Chillemi: I never told you how I admired your inner strength and persistence. When things get tough and obstacles come your way, you never give up. I like how you never back down when things in your life become difficult like school, you work harder to accomplish whatever goal you have set in your mind and I admire those qualities in you because not many people have your amazing inner strength. I am very proud of you and I know whatever road you choose in life you will succeed.

Anthony Chillemi: What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were my age?

Stacey Chillemi: I wish I knew how important it is to help others. The feeling of self-worth and the feeling of accomplishment when you help another person are amazing. It’s such a great feeling to help people and if I was your age I would join groups and be more pro-active.

Anthony Chillemi: Tell me the story of the happiest moment you’ve ever had.

Stacey Chillemi: The happiest moment in my life was when I had you. I always wanted to have a family of my own and when you came into my life my dream had come true. I experienced a feeling of happiness that I never felt before.

Anthony Chillemi: What is the hardest challenge you’ve faced in your life?

Stacey Chillemi: The hardest challenge in my life was getting through college with epilepsy. My seizures weren’t controlled yet and it was a very difficult time for me, but I was determined to succeed and I was not going to give up. I graduated college and I learned that no matter what obstacles you’ve faced with in life if you are determined to succeed then you will succeed.
 
Anthony Chillemi: What’s the biggest lesson you’d like to pass onto future generations?

Stacey Chillemi: The biggest lesson I’d like to pass onto future generations is that nothing comes easy in life. In order to succeed you need to create goals and work hard.
 
Anthony Chillemi: What are some of the little things you did for yourself or our family that made the biggest impact?
 
Stacey Chillemi: I always tried to look at the positive side of things and I tried to teach you, your brother, and sister Alexis to be positive too. Because no matter how hard things get in life you need to look at the brighter side of life in order to live a happy, healthy, and productive life. I wanted you to always smile and enjoy life. Life is too short to dwell in the negative. You need to appreciate the little things in life because surprisingly they matter the most.

Anthony Chillemi: If you could have one wish for me, what would it be?

Stacey Chillemi: I wish you live a long, happy, and successful life and that all your dreams in life come true.

Anthony Chillemi: If you had to choose one role model for me, who would it be and why?

Stacey Chillemi: I would choose your father because he is an excellent father, husband and he is one of the most loving and giving men on the planet.