Sometimes Grandparents Talk Too Much!

Sometimes Grandparents Talk Too Much!

I remember the words of a song in the 60’s by Joe Jones … “You talk too much you worry me to death, you talk too much you even worry my pet … you just ta-a-a-a-alk, talk too much!” … Ring a bell? 

All of us know people who seek conversation but in reality, want to give you a monologue. They ask a question but only for the purpose of engaging their own tongue and jaw, bombarding us with a barrage of stories and insight. Eventually people who dominate conversation like this are avoided. Let’s face it, people who hog the conversation are boring. As grandparents, we can’t accept this reality. There are things we need to instill in the minds of our grandchildren that are important but we must earn the privilege of being heard. That means monitoring and governing the flow of our words.

From the book of Proverbs, we are told, “When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise” (Proverbs 10:19). Elsewhere the Scriptures remind us, “He who restrains his words has knowledge” … (Proverbs 17:27a). Focusing on the fact that we have two ears and one mouth, the writer of James reminds us to be … “quick to hear and slow to speak” … (James 1:19). That means twice as much listening as talking! This is especially important for grandparents to remember when they interact with their grandchildren.

Recently we learned about the attention-span of Millennials and Generation Z people. On average, Millennials have an attention span of 12 seconds. That means that if you go on a monologue with your millennial grandchild more than 12 seconds, he cuts you off; he completely disregards you. Generation Z is even more shocking … 8 seconds! As grandparents we need to learn to get to the point or be ignored!! 

It is important for us to recognize that we need to be good listeners first of all. We need to know how to ask questions and pay attention to what our grandchildren are saying rather than loading our guns while they talk so we can blaze away with our incredible wisdom and insight when they are catching their breath. Our grandkids need grandparents who will listen.

So … do you talk too much? Will your grandchildren remember you as a person who asked good questions and listened?

Pastor John