Build relationships now! The old fashioned days of dinner bell at 5:00 and the whole family getting together for a meal may be a fleeting memory but it is important to make time to share stories, and listen to the events of your child’s day. Even if you can only manage to arrange a family meal on the weekend or at breakfast time, try to schedule time together that allows for conversation.
Take time to listen to your child today. You will be building the foundation for continued good communications for the future, which may not always be easy as your child gets older and begins to assert his independence. When he or she faces more difficult and challenging decisions, that good connection you established early on will make it easier for him to turn to you with questions and for advice.
Building relationships by:
· Actively listen
· Speaking with children at their eye level
· Having respectful conversations
· Asking open ended questions, which are questions that don’t have a one word answer.
· Planning activities that create memories – serving food at a shelter, creating handmade holiday decorations, or having a family talent night.
· Taking advantage of spontaneous opportunities that come your way! Whether it is splashing in a puddle, or baking cookies together, these occasions will be the subject of many “Remember when we…?” conversations in the years to come.
· Cuddling up together with a good book.
· Staying involved! Visit your child’s school; chaperone a dance or a class trip; attend his or her sporting events plays or concerts. Even though your child may seem a little sheepish at times because it is his or her parent who is at the dance, as they mature the memory of your involvement will have a lasting and positive effect.
It is not always the amount of time you spend but the quality of time you spend with your child. So, turn off the TV, computer and cell phones and make the time you have together meaningful!
