Every parent has moments of doubt when they feel they are not spending enough time with their kids. It can be crippling to worry that you don’t know your kids as well as you should or that they are doing things you wouldn’t approve of.
The good news is that it’s a relatively easy problem to solve. Having the intention to bond with your child is a huge step in the right direction. Concern for them and their environment is important.
You can improve your parenting confidence by giving yourself time to appreciate the positive effects of your efforts.
8 tips for building connection with your kids
1. Make them a part of your life.
If you and your kids have little in common when it comes to interests, you should look inward. Young kids sometimes fail to see their parents or guardians as human beings. They might reciprocate your openness if you give them a glimpse into your true self.
You can take the kids to a game or concert that you really enjoy. Introduce them to some of the people you work with. You can bring your older kids with you to your yoga session or the gym. As long as you can capture their attention, anything will do.
2. Don’t punish; teach
Instead of lecturing or punishing your child, use their mistake as a teaching moment. Corporal punishment and harsh discipline harm a child’s growth and development. There are other forms of child discipline besides punishment.
Kindness in the classroom is more effective and builds bonds. The most effective type of discipline is building relationships with children while teaching them.
3. Play
Rough-housing and laughter with your child releases oxytocin and endorphins, strengthening your bond with them.
You can help your child feel more connected and less inclined to act out by encouraging him to make laughter a regular habit. And games encourage children to work together.
4. Talk about a time when you really had to struggle
Sharing our own struggles with children is a powerful way to demonstrate that we understand and care about them when they have difficulties. These can be things you had to deal with as a kid, or they can be things you’re dealing with now as an adult.
We can show our children that life’s challenges don’t have to devastate them. When we open up to children about our personal challenges, we establish genuine emotional connections with them.
5. Pay attention to their interests
Having a conversation isn’t always enough to help a child. They might have too much of a wall up for them to see that you genuinely want to help. In this scenario, thinking of other things you could do together could be beneficial.
Ask for a second controller so you can join in on your kid’s video game fun. You may also lend a hand with an art project they’re working on. You can show interest by participating in their favorite activities.
Even if your kids periodically try to avoid you, you’ll all find something fun to do together. Keep your opinions about their interests to yourself.
You have nothing to worry about if your children are not causing harm to others. They may withdraw from you if they see that you don’t value their interests.
6. Share your meals every day
The easiest way to strengthen family ties is to have at least one meal a day away from the TV.
There are numerous benefits to eating together as a family. First, studies have shown that when kids frequently eat dinner with their parents, they are more likely to eat healthily, do better in school, and try new cuisines.
Around the dinner table, loved ones can catch up and enjoy each other’s company. Children who ate dinner with their parents five to seven nights a week reported more positive parental ties.
Family dinners are also highly associated with lower rates of substance abuse among adolescents. Adolescent mental health is also improved in children who eat family dinners frequently.
7. Pay attention and express your feelings
It takes little time to develop a close relationship with your child. Doing little things to demonstrate your care will have a big impact. For example, stop what you’re doing, make eye contact, and listen to your child for 5 minutes when they’re talking to you.
It’s important to let a child know how much you care about them often. Explain to them why you think so highly of them. Such pleasantries demonstrate your interest in and dedication to the person.
8. Talk and listen to your kids
Talking to your kids is the bare minimum to bond with them. Share what you’ve been up to and inquire about theirs. Keep in mind all the information they provide you. Sometimes kids will want you to match their incredible recall.
Inquire about your children. It’s important that people feel heard and understood while communicating with others. Show your children you are interested in what they have to say by asking them questions about it.
Making and keeping eye contact is another indicator of focus. The use of active listening strategies can greatly increase teens’ openness to parents. This includes the use of specific keywords, nodding, and making direct eye contact.
Don’t assume your kid will spill the beans on their life in a single conversation. Especially with older children and teenagers still feeling rebellious, creating the kind of connection you want takes time.
Why Connecting with Children is essential
Although we understand how important spending time with our children is, we sometimes put it off when life gets hectic. What matters most is the connection we have with our children.
There are numerous upsides to investing in close relationships with our kids. The most effective method of kid discipline is a close relationship with each child. It’s the most peaceful method to attract their attention.
When our children feel as though they know us, they will share our values. They take our instructions very seriously.
Instead of correcting your child, try to connect with them instead. This will help both their behavior and your relationship.
Conclusion
Children report a strong attachment to their parents when they feel emotionally safe. This attachment deepens when the children’s feelings, thoughts, and views are valued.
It’s okay to spend a little bit of time with youngsters to impact their lives. Create a strong relationship of love and understanding with your child by finding simple ways to connect with them.