A parents worst nightmare is not developing positive relationships with their children. These relationships are very important, and being able to have this bond helps a parent know their child well. This means the child is more likely to listen to, abide by, and respect the parent leading to a better present and future relationship. This connection is the main reason behind a child’s willingness to follow rules as well as wanting to cooperate. For some, the closeness with their child is lacking which both the parent and child need to work together on fostering positive relationships with one another.
8 Tricks for Developing Positive Relationships with Children
1Talk with Them, and Listen!
Talking with the child is the easiest and most common method for developing positive relationships. Sometimes it may not seem so, but children want their parents to talk and listen to them, as well as be engaged in and remember what they said. As a parent, ask questions. Let the child feel and know that what they are saying is of interest to you. Welcome their emotions as children are humans, and assist them in expressing themselves so that you can help them heal and feel heard.
When a child explains themselves and their behaviors, this helps the parent see things differently. The parents emotions are also regulated so that the child doesn’t seem like the enemy in certain situations. This in turn will help the child feel more relaxed, cooperative and have that closer bond with the parent. Do remember though that creating this bond of conversation may take a few tries, especially with older children who may feel rebellious.
3Invite Them Into Your World
Sometimes when working on developing positive relationships with children, it can seem hard and impossible. Allowing the child to come into your world and showing them who you are and your daily life may change their minds and they may allow you more insight into their life as well. This can be taking them to work with you, taking them with you to the gym, or taking them with you to the theater or a class. Get them excited and interested in the fact they are being welcomed into your personal life. They may just let you into theirs as well.
5Don’t Use Guilt as a Weapon
A major rule in developing positive relationships with children is to never guilt them or make them feel guilty. This will only cause resentment as well as losing respect for the parent in the long run. Let the child know you want to spend some quality time with them, but do remember that if they don’t want to (as this may happen the first few times trying) not to guilt them about it. Don’t make them feel bad if they do not want to hang out with you or spend time together. Give it a few tries and be persistent because in the end, they will let you into their life and give you a chance.
7Don’t Get Discouraged
Children are huge challenges, and as parents, we already know this. Sometimes, it may feel that no matter how hard you try, the closeness you’re wanting isn’t getting better as you had hoped. The first rule is to remember to never give up. Children know their parents are trying and do appreciate it even though they may not acknowledge it from the beginning. They know you care about them, and sometimes that is good enough for them.
8Be Present in Their Life
Most parents are half-present in their child’s life whether it be due to work or just regular day to day house chores. When interacting with the child, make sure to be 100% present. This means, put down the smart phone, close the laptop or book, or leave whatever else it may be you are doing and be 100% with them. Be there in the moment and let go of everything else. Those things will be there when you come back to them. In making this a habit the parent will be making huge strides in developing positive relationships with their children.
Children need their parents. Developing positive relationships with children should be the first and foremost priority a parent has. These relationships build trust and closeness so that there are fewer bumps in the road as the child gets older. Take baby steps when working on building that relationship. Nothing changes over night even though we may wish it did. But by being persistent, over time, you and your child will have that amazing bond.
WANT TO READ MORE?
Check out this article on IF TOMORROW NEVER CAME: PARENTING WITH NO REGRETS.
???? NEWSLETTER: DAILY READS IN YOUR INBOX ????
Sign up to receive our picks for the best things to do, see and buy so you can relax and focus on more important tasks! Let us help you be the best version of yourself you can be!
GET MORE FROM DAILY MOM, PARENTS PORTAL
Newsletter: Daily Mom delivered to you
Facebook: @DailyMomOfficial
Instagram: @DailyMomOfficial | @DailyMomTravel | @BestProductsClub
YouTube: @DailyMomVideos
Pinterest: @DailyMomOfficial
???? LOVE IT? PIN IT!????
Photo Credits: Pexels
Sources: 7 Ways to Connect with Your Children
10 habits to Strengthen Your Relationship with Your Child
Other Articles
Fun Facts about Christmas Carols to Put You in the Holiday Spirit
50 Popular Gujarati Surnames Or Last Names With Meanings
