One of the most important skills to building strong and meaningful relationships and families is getting to really know each other. The first step in that process is to learn how to:
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Ask meaningful, thought provoking questions
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Learn to just listen (without judgment)
For this Mother’s Day I wanted to give you a set of questions you can ask Mom that should give both of you an opportunity for meaningful dialogue. Pick a few questions out of this list.
Before you ask… you might give a little background like this… “For Mother’s Day I thought you might give me a chance to ask you a few fun questions to learn more about you…” Here you go:
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If you could talk to the 20 or 30-year-old you, what advice might you give yourself about life?
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If you were being really brave… What’s the one thing you would tell the younger generation to do?
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What’s the one thing you are most proud of in your life?
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If there was one thing you’d really like your family to get better at… what would it be?
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If you had one wish for the family or the family business what would it be?
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What (if anything) do you worry about for your family?
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What do you think our biggest lesson should be out of this pandemic?
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What’s the one quality or characteristic you’d like to be remembered for 100 years from now?
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If there was one regret you have in your life… what is it?
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If there was one secret to having a long-term marriage what would you say that it is?
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If you were going to ask me one question you always wanted to ask, what would you ask?
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Is there anything else you wished that I asked?
I lost my father when he was 52 years old and I was 26. I have very few regrets in my life mostly because I don’t believe in having regrets. Having said that I would have loved to have spent more time with my father and my grandfather. Make the most of the precious time you have with your family and ask them deep, meaningful questions.
Then listen and appreciate the moment. Be courageous, you’ve got this!
Coach Pete
Pete Walsh is a demanding, courageous and playful Master Coach in Phoenix, Arizona. He is the founder of Peak Workout Business Coaching and the Family Business Performance Center. He can be reached at pete@peakcoach.com.
