Most American parents feel that the only time they spend with their kids is during drop off and pick-up from school or from activities.
Given our busy scheduled, how can a parent build a strong relationship with their kids?
While busy parents spend average only 30 minutes a day with their child at home without any chores, there are ways to make most out of this time.
Here are 5 mindful parenting tips to build lasting relationship with your child.
Also Read: How to get your child to talk about school day
1. Listen and Be present:
When your child comes to you with some challenges or not so pleasant experience, do you jump at conclusion and ready to provide suggestion? Or do you listen to your child and let him or her vent out?
It is easy to get distracted with tones of things that are going in your mind.
However listening to your child without passing judgment and paying attention with complete sincerity will go long way building your child’s trust.
When your child feels that you are genuinely interested in what he or she has to say, in long run they will keep coming back to you to talk about their challenges, small or big.
Also Read: How to get your child to talk about school day
2. Family Mealtime:
Are you eating your dinners and lunches on the go as you chauffeur your kids to their after school and weekend activities? Are you eating in front of the TV or with your electronic gadget?
Research done by University of Montreal proves that children who routinely eat together with their family experience more long-term physical and mental health benefits.
Family meals are an easy way to have interaction with kids and have conversation on day-to-day concerns in secure environment.
If everyday is not possible, atleast couple of time a week try to have family meals without any distractions.
Also Read: How to boost energy naturally
3. Playfulness:
Do you remember how joyful you are when you are playful. Play full of laughter helps strengthen any relationship.
Easiest way to connect with your child is through play.
- Indoor board games
- Quick walk after dinner
- Ball game on front porch or cycling around the block
- Fun car games etc.
Any one or more of the above items will not just help build the lasting parent-child relationship, but will also provide health benefits to your child as well for you.
Also Read: How to prevent technology addiction
4. Chores:
Contrary to belief that kids try to avoid chores, actually kids do want to help and participate in the family tasks. Doing chores for family make child feel connected to the family.
Research suggests, kids who have participated in chores at a young age tend to be more responsible adults and have higher self esteem as well.
Kid may not be perfect and work quality may not be the same as an adult, but completing a chore how much ever small, make child confident, help her become responsible and help them connect with family.
5. Transitions:
Children thrive on routine and structure. It allows them to feel secure. Daily unpredictability could become daunting and stressful for kids.
Create simple routine of exchanging affectionate touch, hug or kiss at specific times daily like drop-off/pick-up , wake-up/bed time etc creates a sense of belonging and safety.
Additionally you may also include prayers or routine to express gratitude as family during wake up and bedtime for added benefit.
Hope you find these quick tips helpful and are able to easily accommodate them in your routine to build lasting joyful relationship with your child.
