B a r b a r a s h e r I l L u s t r a t I o n s b y r a L p h

T
Y P E S O F
A
T T E N T I O N
E
N C O U R A G E D
Open and focused
M
A T E R I A L S
Video camera
D
I R E C T I O N S
First have family members agree to having a film made of their lives.
Then encourage your filmmaker to take footage of scenes from daily
family life—for example, Mom doing her Pilates exercise, Dad making his
Games for Teens
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famous French toast, Sister yakking on the phone, Grandma at a protest
rally, the pet dog and cat nuzzling.
V
A R I A T I O N
We can turn the tables in this activity by joining in and getting behind the
camera for a look at the videographer at home. Take shots of him going
about his daily business, including real things like arguing with his siblings.
Getting objective feedback on how we are in the world can help us make
needed changes. Seeing ourselves on camera can give us some clear insight
into how we are—the good and the bad—or, at least, encourage us to laugh
at ourselves.
W
H A T
’
S
B
E I N G
L
E A R N E D
Teenagers are getting experience in opening and being aware of all that is
happening around them and then focusing in on particulars.
Waiter, Take My Order
When you go to a restaurant and place an order with a waitperson, you
don’t sit around wondering if your order will be filled. You might get impa-
tient if it takes longer than you want, but you don’t doubt that your food
will come.
This same hopefulness and expectation can serve us and our children
in a larger realm. Sometimes in order for our intentions to be fulfilled, we
have to expect that they will be.
In this game, you and your teen place your orders for your life.