Connecting with your child

Connecting with Your Child

If you ask just about any parent how things are going in the life, they will probably tell you that they are staying busy. No matter what they say, it will probably contain the word busy.

Families are becoming more and more stressed and they are spending less and less time together  because they are so busy.  It’s a byproduct of our modern lives.  It seems damn near impossible to spend enough time with our kids. Fortunately, when it comes to kids, quality is more important that quantity.

Here are few ways to make time with your child really matter:

  • Spend some time reading to, and with your child. This will make both of you happy because you know your child isn’t half-heartedly watching TV or wasting time on a video game. You will be able to connect over a story and will have something to talk about later. Your child will always remember that you took this time to share with them.
  • Hugs can be magical. Reach out to your child, literally. Take them in your arms. This can be difficult to do if your child is at that prickly stage of pre-teen to teen years.Do it any way.
  • Give your child your full attention. Take a few minutes to ask about their day and really listen. Be as attentive as you would be in a business meeting or with a friend who really needs you. This time is just as important.
  • Empathize with them. Because your child is developing, they may have very strong emotions that they don’t know how to deal with. They are not trying to push your buttons, they are just trying to express themselves. Listen and let them know that their feelings matter to you and that you hear what they are saying.
  • Play with them. Part of being a parent is spending lots of time waiting with your child. Make the most of this time by playing tic tac toe, hangman or other simple game while you are waiting. This small step will make your child feel valued.
  • Just dance. Take a break from acting like a grown up and turn on some music and dance around with your child. Younger children will love it and older children will notice your willingness to let your hair down.
  • Something to laugh about. Just tell a few jokes
  • Find some special time. At the end of the day, take a few minutes to spend with your child. Talk or just relax.
  • Do something physical. Break out into a game of tag with older children or give a piggy back ride to a younger child. If neither of these is possible, take a quick walk around the block.
  • Be a part of their world. Show an active interest in something they like. If you don’t understand, ask them to explain it to you.
  • Work together. If there is a big chore that has to be done like washing the car or raking leaves, do it with them and play or talk to them while you are working.
  • .Share your thoughts Journal together.  Get a notebook and write some words together or to each other. Let your child know that you value their thoughts and opinions.
  • A picture can spark a thousand words Open up some photo albums and share some memories. This can start some conversations and lead to a discussion over your family history.

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