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Just like with any relationship,
building a positive relationship between parent
and child is one that requires work and effort
to make it strong and successful. Parenting is a
tough job, and maintaining close relationships
and open communications helps to ensure parents
and their children stay connected through all
ages of their upbringing.
Here are 10 simple
tips for enhancing the bond between parent and
child. |
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1. Say I Love You
Tell your child you love him every day -- no
matter his age. Even on trying days or after a
parent-child disagreement, when you don't
exactly "like your child" at that moment, it is
more important than ever to express your love. A
simple "I love you" goes a long way toward
developing and then strengthening a
relationship.
2. Teach Your Faith
Teach your child about your faith and beliefs.
Tell him what you believe and why. Allow time
for your child to ask questions and answer them
honestly. Reinforce those teachings often.
3. Establish A Special Name Or Code Word
Create a special name for your child that is
positive and special or a secret code word that
you can use between each other. Use the name as
a simple reinforcement of your love. The code
word can be established to have special meaning
between your child and you that only you two
understand. This code word can even be used to
extract a child from an uncomfortable situation
(such as a sleepover that is not going well)
without causing undue embarrassment to the
child.
4. Develop And Maintain A Special Bedtime Ritual
For younger children, reading a favorite bedtime
book or telling stories is a ritual that will be
remembered most likely throughout their life.
Older children should not be neglected either.
Once children start reading, have them read a
page, chapter, or short book to you. Even most
teenagers still enjoy the ritual of being told
goodnight in a special way by a parent--even if
they don't act like it!
5. Let Your Children Help You
Parents sometimes inadvertently miss out on
opportunities to forge closer relationships by
not allowing their child to help them with
various tasks and chores. Unloading groceries
after going to the store is a good example of
something that children of most ages can and
should assist with. Choosing which shoes look
better with your dress lets a child know you
value her opinion. Of course, if you ask, be
prepared to accept and live with the choice
made!
6. Play With Your Children
The key is to really play with your children.
Play with dolls, ball, make believe, checkers,
sing songs, or whatever is fun and interesting.
It doesn't matter what you play, just enjoy each
other! Let kids see your silly side. Older kids
enjoy cards, chess, computer games, while
younger ones will have fun playing about
anything...as long as it involves you!
7. Eat Meals As A Family
You've heard this before, and it really is
important! Eating together sets the stage for
conversation and sharing. Turn the TV off, and
don't rush through a meal. When schedules
permit, really talk and enjoy one another. It
can become a quality time most remembered by
young and old alike.
8. Seek Out One-On-One Opportunities Often
Some parents have special nights or "standing
dates" with their children to create that
one-on-one opportunity. Whether it is a walk
around the neighborhood, a special trip to a
playground, or just a movie night with just the
two of you, it is important to celebrate each
child individually. Although it is more of a
challenge the more children in a family, it is
really achievable! Think creatively and the
opportunities created will be ones that you
remember in the future.
9. Respect Their Choices
You don't have to like their mismatched shirt
and shorts or love how a child has placed
pictures in his room. However, it is important
to respect those choices. Children reach out for
independence at a young age, and parents can
help to foster those decision-making skills by
being supportive and even looking the other way
on occasion. After all, it really is okay if a
child goes to daycare with a striped green shirt
and pink shorts.
10. Make Them A Priority In Your Life
Your children need to know that you believe they
are a priority in your life. Children can
observe excessive stress and notice when they
feel you are not paying them attention.
Sometimes, part of being a parent is not
worrying about the small stuff and enjoying your
children.
They grow up so fast, and every day is special.
Take advantage of your precious time together
while you have it! |
