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.
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!
