Children are angelic when they are still very young when parents have all the control of their lives. It gets harder as they grow older, with the pinnacle being teenage, where they could become totally different people altogether. The real test of parenthood is at this point, where you have to decide between putting your foot down and being their friend. This tight rope becomes much easier to walk when you establish a good relationship with them from the get-go.
Here are a few things that could strengthen the bond between you and your child as they grow.
Contents
Affirm them with your Words and Action
Most parents admit the best period in the world is when their children as still so young, innocent, and totally in love with their caregivers. It becomes the ideal period to establish intentional words and actions that will affirm the child, so they always know they are loved. Sleepless nights and forgotten self-care will usually be a huge part of this period of motherhood, but the child’s endless giggles and smiles are all the currency most parents will happily accept. At this stage, you want to know all the nuances of the child, and they are pretty easy to decipher. It helps them feel safe with their caregivers because this could be the beginning of their character development.
They are not too young to read your actions, so this is the stage where you want to establish how you feel. Make them comfortable with words such as “I love you” and other affirmations that help them see what they really are. Let them know they are strong, beautiful, wanted, and that you will always be there. When your actions match your words, you are on the right course as they are likely to grow knowing their value. Hugging them and showing some love with tender physical touch will be good for them too.
Listen to them
They may not have gone to school yet, but it helps to know their opinion matters. Get to their level and listen when they talk so they know their words matter. Give in when necessary instead of always saying no, even when they ask for reasonable things. When the children are still young, it helps to establish healthy boundaries to know what they are being unreasonable. You may want to let them know at this point they cannot have everything they ask for, so you don’t raise entitled children that will find it hard to relate or interact with others when they finally get out into the world.
Mutually Open UP to Each Other
Another way to build a strong relationship with children is by being honest with them as they grow. Parenthood has evolved from when parents acted perfectly to now when they can openly let their children know when they are wrong. It helps to talk to your child candidly when they are a little older and curious about things, even when those topics may be a little uncomfortable. The lessons you have taken from life could come out better if you told them your experiences with situations they may be going through. For instance, it doesn’t hurt to let your teenager know you have been through what they are going through, and they will get over it.
Discuss Difficult Topics
We said there is no one-size-fits-all for child-rearing methods, which is why some parents would find it difficult to discuss some topics. For instance, if a child is questioning their gender orientation, a parent will need to know how to respond without alienating them. You want to learn the term they may be identifying with and help them through this confusing period. The same goes for the sex talk and other minor but sensitive matters that will come up during their formative years as it determines how they relate with the world. If they do not feel supported or understood at home, they may have difficulty discussing these things with anyone else.
Conclusion
Research shows kids who grow up strongly bonded to their families to be well-adjusted and confident. Several student essay examples show how you can connect with your child from an early age. Seemingly small actions such as sitting down for a meal and creating rituals could open you up to the most beautiful parent-child relationship you could ever have.
