FLM
FLM
Fete Lifestyle Magazine
Publisher's Note
Every morning, my routine moves to the rhythm of the clock. My oldest son’s alarm sounds at 6:15 a.m., followed closely by my youngest’s at 6:20. While they get ready for the day, I prepare their lunches, keeping one eye on the clock and the other on the goal—getting out the door by 6:55 a.m. Success means we’re on time, and we’re not worried about missing the train.
Then comes what I call the 7 and 20—the number of minutes I have in the car with each of my sons before school drop off. Seven minutes to the train station with my oldest, then a total of twenty before I reach the youngest’s school. Limited time, but valuable time. The art of communication is at play when cell phones are away, and the radio is in the background.
During this brief windows, we talk. Some mornings, it’s current events, upcoming tests, or sports schedules. Other days, it’s the latest viral trend, a movie they want to see, or a discussion sparked by a song on the radio. Sometimes, I learn about an unexpected practice, a test result they forgot to mention, or a weekend party request. But I’ve learned that if I want more than one-word answers, I have to be intentional with my questions—specific, engaging, and open-ended.
I cherish these moments, knowing that meaningful communication is the key to strong relationships. There is truly an art to communication, whether in personal conversations or professional settings. Constructing the right dialogue enhances relationships, opens doors, and fosters understanding. And if you’re a parent of teenagers, you know that all you long for is more than just yes or no answers to your questions. The challenge is crafting the kind of conversations that encourage them to share and engage.
With my oldest graduating high school next year and my youngest entering high school at the same time, I’m already thinking about how these moments will change. The time we spend together will shrink as their world expands. But for now, I embrace the 7 and 20, knowing that these conversations—no matter how brief—matter. And as long as I still get a “Love you, Dad” before they step out of the car, I know I’m doing something right.
D.C.
7 and 20, The Art of Communication
On the Cover: Isabelle Gougenheim
Photo Credit: James Gustin
Location: Chicago, IL