Having a healthy parent-child relationship does wonders to a child. This is why it is important for parents to know the role that this relationship has in the growth and development of their children. And they should also know that it starts way before their little ones are born, right when they are still in the womb.
When parents know what the effects of their relationship to their children are, they will start to take better care of them and be the parents that their children need and want.
How Parents Can Build a Healthy Relationship with Children
Everyone has his or her own idea of a good parent-child relationship. And there is no such thing as being perfect parents. However, while there is no formula to getting parenting right, parents can continue being the persons who give their children what they need, as well as some of their wants. When they do so, they can achieve a relationship that is close to perfect.
But how do parents cultivate this kind of relationship?
Here are 3 ways on how to strengthen parent-child relationships.
1. Be in the moment with your child. This means you are present, not just physically, but also mentally and emotionally in whatever your child does. In fact, you don’t have to always be with him. As long as you think about and are interested in what your child does, he will know that you care about him.
And here’s how you can do it:
• Be more accepting of what your child wants and does. Lessen being directive and demanding and just let him be, once in a while.
• See what your child does and encourage or join in his activity.
• Listen to your child and actually hear what is behind his words.
• Observe your child’s behavior and try to see through it so you know what he really wants from you.
2. Spend quality time with your child. Parent-child relationship research studies reveal that you don’t really need to go somewhere just to have quality time. Simply being together and bonding lets your child know that you value him. This can even be done in the car when you are stuck in traffic.
Quality time can also be achieved through:
• Sharing experiences, stories, emotions and more with each other.
• Give your children a one-on-one time regularly. This means you provide special time with each of your children where you get to interact longer with just the two of you.
3. Trust and respect your child. These are essential in having a good relationship since your child will feel secure. Trust begets trust, as does respect. So, when you trust and respect your child, they will more info reciprocate it and your relationship strengthens.
You can reinforce this by doing the following:
• Set family rules that everyone approves of. Make sure it is followed also by the parents.
• Always be available when your child needs you.
• Know your child better and love him for what he is. Support what makes him happy as long as he is in the right.
There is no question about the importance of a healthy and positive parent-child relationship, especially when it comes to the growth and development of young children.
So, foster that positive relationship with your child now. You can start by sharing stories and reading books with him. Author Helen G has some that tales that will surely help you with this.
Check them out at Helen G today.