YOU AND YOUR CHILD

                    STRENGTHENING PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIP

Strengthening parent-child relationship requires work and effort. Parenting is a tough job, but by maintaining close relationship and open communication with children, parents can stay connected to them during all stages of life. Here are some simple tips families can use to “deepen the bond” between parents and children.

 1.  Say I Love You

Tell children you love them every day, no matter their age. Even on trying days or after disagreements, parents should say these three words. Conflict is the most important time for parents to communicate their love to children. A simple "I love you" does loads to strengthen relationships.

  2. Teach Your Faith

Teach your child about your faith and beliefs. Tell her what you believe and why. Allow time for your child to ask questions and answer them honestly. Reinforce those teachings often. Many parents do not give their children opportunity to ask questions concerning certain issues. Most parents force their children to accept their decision and thoughts without hearing the child’s opinion or suggestion on the same issue. No matter how little you think your child is, he or she has something to say at any given time, all you need do is bring it before her. Your child may have objections concerning your beliefs and faith, but let her understand by drawing her close to you while you explain explicitly with love.

  3. Establish a Special Name or Code Word

Create a special name for your child that is positive or a secret code word that you can use with each other. Use the name as a simple reinforcement of your love. The code word can be used to extract a child from an uncomfortable situation (such as a sleepover that is not going well) without causing undue embarrassment to the child. Parents who have code words or name for their kids raise wonderful kids than parents who do not. Such codes save your child from unpalatable situation and allow them become the envy of other parents.

  4. Develop and Maintain Bedtime Rituals

Reading bedtime books or telling stories to children creates lifelong rituals. Once children start reading, have them read a page, chapter or short book to you. Even most teenagers still enjoy the ritual of being told goodnight in a special way by a parent. When you develop this habit, your children feel your absence when they are about going to bed and you are not there to tell them a story. Make sure the last voice your child hears before going to bed is yours; this further strengthens your relationship with your child.

  5. Let Your Children Help You

Parents sometimes unintentionally miss opportunities for closeness by not allowing their child to help them with various tasks and chores. Unloading groceries after going to the store is a good example of something that children of most ages can and should assist with. Asking a child, which shoes look better with your dress, lets him know you value his opinion. Of course, if you ask, be prepared to accept and live with the child's choice. Do not make the mistake of ignoring his opinion; chances are that your child may never trust you with his opinion and that will make him lose confidence in himself.

  6. Play With Your Children

The key is to really play with your children; it draws them very close to you. Do not always be rigid or put them under tension. Most parents think their children behave better when they are strict with them; that is very incorrect. Going close to them by all means possible is the answer. Have something called free time for your kids, play with dolls, balls and checkers or sing songs. It does not matter what you play, just enjoy each other. Let kids see your silly side. Older kids enjoy cards, chess and computer games, while younger ones have fun playing any game with parents. Play! Play! and play again! It strengthens your relationship with your kids.

  7. Eat Meals as a Family

You have heard this before, and it really is important! Eating together sets the stage for conversation and sharing. Turn the TV off, and do not rush through a meal. When schedules permit, really talk and enjoy one another. It can become a quality time remembered by young and old. Eating from the same dish is a sure way to bond rather than eating in separate dishes.

8. Seek Out One-On-One Opportunities

Some parents have special nights or "standing dates" with their children to create that one-on-one opportunity. Whether it is a walk around the neighborhood, a special trip to a playground or just a movie night with the two of you, it is important to celebrate each child individually. Although this is more of a challenge for parents of several children, but it is achievable!  .

9. Make Them a Priority in Your Life

Your children need to know that you believe they are a priority in your life. Children can observe excessive stress and notice when they feel you are not paying them attention. No matter how exhausted you are, try to give them your attention, talk when they need you to talk, play when they need you to play. That may just be the only time they can communicate their fears, dissatisfactions and worries to you. Take advantage of your precious time together while you have it! Sometimes, part of parenthood is not worrying about the small stuff and enjoying your children. They grow up so fast, and every day is special.