Excellent Ways To Connect With Your Children

February 10, 2021

It is essential for all parents to connect with their children, as it is an important part of being a good parent, however, it is not always easy. Parents should start trying to connect with their children as soon as they are born. When they are tweens and teens, it is easy for a parent to get frustrated, but do not give up. Parents should try these simple and great ways to connect with their children to form a deeper bond with them immediately.

Share Experiences And Stories

Parents should try their best to model the behavior they want to see from their children, which includes parents opening up and sharing things about their personal life and their experiences. They should try to share their stories, memories, feelings, thoughts, and dreams and get to know their children on a personal level, and how mom and dad view the world and relate to others. This will not only allow children to view them as more than just their parent, but also as a human being, member of society, and possibly as a friend. We are all human, and this sharing technique shows them how to open up and share their experiences and aspirations in a comfortable and judgment-free zone. Simply put, the more a parent shares with their child, the more likely the child will open up and share with them in return.

Next, learn the significance of listening to one's child and letting their voice be heard.

Listen To Them

In order to have children be open and honest with their parents, mom and dad must be a good listener. This means actively listening and paying attention to all the details of their story. Mom or dad, or both, should immediately stop what they are doing, put away any distractions and focus on the words their child is saying. Watch their expressions and body language, read into their feelings, make eye contact, acknowledge them as they are speaking. Allow them to elaborate their ideas and explore further thoughts with them. Ask probing questions such as “how did that make you feel?” or “what led you to that decision?” Parents are advised to try and avoid interrupting and making judgments towards their child, while also not making the conservation about them (the parent). When it is their time to share, be there as a listener.

Keep reading to reveal how making a schedule for quality time together is one of the best things a parent can do for their child.

Schedule Connection Time

Connecting with children takes time and repetition. Parents will need to schedule this bonding time to ensure it happens and that other life factors do not get in the way of this quality time. On a regular basis, set aside time to spend with the children, such as planning a game night, evening walks, or craft hour, which are all great activities for special time with the kids. Avoid TV, movies, and other activities that do not require interaction. During this time, parents should talk to and look at each other and their kids. But do not worry, parents do not need to plan an activity every time, as they may just end up talking with their children, as spending time with them allows for connection. Therefore, if it is scheduled, it will happen.

Continue reading to discover the importance of learning about a child's personality.

Learn About Them

Probably one of the easiest ways to connect with a child is to show an interest in their interests. Find out about their hobbies, friends, favorite things, and their dislikes. Learn about their culture and individual personality. Parents should keep in mind that they are a visitor in their child's culture and world, and should expect that they will not like everything their child likes and may think differently than they do. Simply, do not pretend to be exactly like them, as no parent is just like their child and vice versa. Try to create a judgment-free zone and have an open mind when it comes to learning about the child, as a parent will need to show acceptance in order to connect. If a parent is willing to learn, the child will certainly teach them.

Next, reveal the significance of being their parent and not just being their friend.

Be Their Parent

Sometimes it may feel like the parent is trying to be their child's friend, while at other times they are trying to be their parent and disciplinary. This can result in quite the confusing juggling act, especially for the child. So, let’s simplify. First and foremost, the parent is not their child's friend, they are their parent. Parents do not need to be their friend in order to connect. In fact, the parent will be respected more if they make it clear that they are the parent and disciplinary, but a friendly parent. Parents will have fun, share, and listen, but regardless, they still enforce the house rules and are the decision-maker. Clarifying one's role as a parent makes it easier to connect with their children, as boundaries are set, but parents can still appear open-minded and friendly.

Keep reading to uncover how to build mutual respect with children.

Build Mutual Respect

Children need to learn to respect their parents as an authority figure, their caregiver, and disciplinary. Communicating rules, explaining consequences of breaking those rules, and enforcing those rules are three steps to gain a child's respect. Also, avoid giving them everything that they want, as this does not lead to respect, but rather the opposite effect and leads to spoiled, ungrateful children. Do not forget that respect is a two-way street. Parents need to learn to respect their children as individuals, as well as their space to grow, discover and learn. Provide them with the freedom to have their own experiences and make their own mistakes. Parents need to also keep their promises and prioritize fulfilling them, as the children are watching their parent's actions, not just following their words.

Finally, a parent needs to take some personal time and connect with themselves as well.

Connecting With Yourself

A parent can improve their skill of connecting by practicing on themselves first. Find alone time to regroup and de-stress. Parents should think about themselves and all the reasons that they would want to connect with themselves. What do you want to learn about yourself? What are your thoughts on life and current events? What are some of your favorite memories and activities that you want to share with you? Focus on all the various factors that make you a great person to connect with. Enjoy yourself and others will too, especially your own children.

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