5 Helpful Tips to Strengthen your Parent-Child Relationship

Parent-child relationship is often the strongest and most enduring bond we have. Yet it can also be the most complicated at the same time. 

Our children are the most precious things in our lives. It’s normal to want to be as close to them as possible.

Maintaining a great dynamic with your child may take some sustained effort. When our children start to consider us as a friend, rather than strictly an authority figure, it’s all worth it. 

Our children want someone to be there for them. Someone they can rely on and talk to in moments when they need to be heard. It’s a common lament for parents of teens that their kids don’t feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings.

As parents, not only are we there to guide our kids as they are growing up but to also raise them as confident and well-rounded individuals. Most of that development begins in the household. Strengthening your parent-child relationship is key to developing that dynamic.

Here are a few helpful tips to get you started.

Be open in expressing your love for your kids

Telling your children how you love them makes them feel valued, boosts their self-esteem, and helps them feel confident to express their emotions. 

Dr. Natasha Sharma, inventor of the Kindness Journal puts it this way, “expressing love is a monkey-see, monkey-do situation.”

This helps the children develop relationship skills and makes them learn how to identify different ways of expressing their feelings. One of those includes expressing their love. If you, as a parent, can be vocal about it, it likely will not be hard for your children to express their love.

Make Them a Priority in Your Life

Another way to strengthen your parent-child relationship is to consider your kids a priority in your life. You may be busy earning money for a living to provide for their basic needs right now, but children won’t appreciate the material possessions you give as much as the quality time they get from you. 

Time flies and kids grow up quickly. Before you know it, they’re off preparing for their college applications and moving out of the house. So make the most of your precious times together. Seize the little opportunities to bond and make your children feel appreciated. Keep them close and let them know that they matter to you as much as possible. Let them know that you are paying attention and you’ll always be there for them when they need you. 

Spare some time for fun

What kids crave is your undivided attention.

Kids love to have fun, so show them your fun side and get down to their level by getting on the floor with them and really immersing yourself in their world.

Just have fun and sing songs, play board games, tell stories, and allow yourself to be silly.

Your child will love the attention and for sure will cherish these moments with you forever. 

Allow your children to help you out

Whether you’re preparing meals, doing the dishes, or unloading groceries, getting your children involved is a surefire way to grab their attention and make them feel good about themselves.

Children are naturally curious and they want to get close to their parents, just as much as we parents wanted to get involved in their lives. Letting them assist you with simple tasks will not only make things easier, but also allow you to spend more quality time together.

Take baking for example. Letting them help out in little ways such as mixing the ingredients, cutting out cookies, and decorating them can go far and makes for an opportunity to strengthen your parent-child relationship. 

The Value of Family Mealtimes

We can’t stress enough how family mealtimes are essential for strengthening parent-child relationships.

Mealtimes are an opportunity to really come together with family. It’s a time to huddle, share thoughts, and talk about each other’s day.

So take the time to unplug and reconnect. Unplug from technology, put away your phones and turn off the TV. Reconnect with your family and teach your kids to speak their minds freely.

Looking to take the next step for your child? If you’re preparing for your child’s early education in the Colorado Springs area, Young Scholar’s Academy’s preschool programs create an engaging learning environment with fun activities that create lasting memories for your child to grow, learn and succeed in life! Call us at (719) 419-8418 to schedule a tour today!