· When you are talking with someone, make eye contact. Hold it.
· Ask the other person questions about his/her self. For example, I asked John Henry, “What are some things that make you scared or nervous about starting Kindergarten?”
· Listen when another person is talking.
· Sometimes, it’s necessary to forget about my “to-do” lists, e-mails that await my response, blogs to write, and just BE with my son.
· When a conversation shifts gears from the first day of school to which dinosaurs ate meat, go with it.
· The seemingly meaningless conversations mean something – TIME.
· Invest into other people’s lives.
· Just because you’re a good-looking kid doesn’t mean you don’t have insecurities. (I am obviously biased, but have you seen my son? Those eyes? That complexion?)
· As human beings, we need pure, unadulterated physical touch with others.
· Smile at other people. You don’t know what kind of day they are having. (John Henry is concerned that when he smiles to his new friends, they may not smile back.)
· The only thing better than a hug and a kiss goodnight are two hugs and two kisses.
· And finally, be glad that a snapping turtle doesn’t have a long neck else it might turn around and snap your hand while picking him up. (And, that was John Henry’s final thought.)
And, then we said “I love you” and “Goodnight.”
DustyTakle.com 
EVEN IF IT ISN’T REQUIRED…A GREAT BOOK BAG DOES WONDERS FOR THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL. BE SURE TO TAKE LOTS OF PICTURES. BRILLIANT DEDUCTION ABOUT SNAPPING TURTLES!
Hmmm. This takes me back. I miss those days. Savor them. Soon enough these conversations will turn into talks about girls, cars, jobs, and which direction to go in after High School. I agree with Judy. Nothing like a Buzz Lightyear bookback to bolster confidence:)
He is just beautiful inside and out!
Great thoughts.
love bedtime, always good conversation
Do something together after that first day is over. Like, go for ice cream. Ice cream is always good. You can talk between licks. I’m sure John Henry would have said that if he wasn’t busy with snapping turtle thoughts.
He’s a doll! And those conversations get even more fun–and some of those lines you’ll still be using when he’s in his teens!
Those talks right before bedtime are my favorite! Those are the sweet moments you can hold dear forever. That is when they tell you what is in their heart. You are so right. Listen and engage them. I still have that time with my 12 yr old and 16 yr old at night, just one on one. It is precious!