FOUR TIPS FOR BUILDING A STRONGER RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR CHILD

The parent-child relationship is one of the most rewarding in life. It’s a great opportunity to learn and grow individually as well as together with someone else and have some fun while you’re at it. You may be a busy dad or mom currently and have the goal to want to give your child more time and attention. If this is the case, then here are four tips for building a stronger relationship with your child so you can get the most out of your connection and strengthen your bond. 

1. Eat Meals with Them 

One tip for building a stronger relationship with your child and making the most of parenthood is to plan to eat meals together. Sit down and enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even a snack with them as much as possible. You can teach them responsibility by having them set the table or cook together as a way to spend more quality time. Eating meals together will bring you two closer and is a chance to share about your days and dive deeper into certain topics if you choose. You may also want to use family mealtime to talk about making healthy food choices and living a healthy lifestyle. 

2. Find Activities You Can do Together 

Build a stronger relationship with your child by making more time for them overall. Not only set aside the time but be present and put away any possible distractions so you can give them your full attention. Find activities that you can do together such as building tamiya models, playing sports, or baking. Relax, enjoy, and have some fun being with your child and watching them explore new activities and learn and engage in what you’re doing at the time. Playing together is not only enjoyable but helps with your child’s development. 

3. Show Your Love & Support 

Get in the habit of expressing and showing how much you love your child to them. Say “I love you” and give them hugs to show your affection. Greet them in the morning or after school with a smile and ask them how their day was. Make eye contact, smile, and offer them your undivided attention throughout the day. Support them by attending their activities or events at school and encouraging them to try new things. Another idea is to create parent-child rituals or stuff you two do together that’s special to you and your son or daughter. 

4. Have Conversations & Listen Attentively 

It’s also important that as a parent you listen and empathize with your child. A solid connection starts with having attentive listening skills and being able to express and share thoughts, feelings, and emotions back and forth. Be available and distraction-free and use the moments when they do make mistakes as learning and teaching opportunities. Try to see the situation from their standpoint and avoid making assumptions or judgments as you engage in conversation with your child. It’s important to have rules, boundaries, and consequences but you also don’t want to jump to conclusions or not hear them out.