Excellent Ways To Connect With Your Children

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.