Parenting is one of the most challenging yet fulfilling role in our lives. Parents are the first teachers of their children. While parents don’t have to teach children anything directly, the foundation for the way their kids learn and behave is formed in their early years by the examples set by them. So how should you set a good example for your child? How do you build a strong, trusting, relationship with your child?
The parent-child relationship is a fundamental concept for understanding how families function. A solid parent-child relationship helps the child develop a sense of self, know right from wrong and act in socially acceptable ways. It is the key to nurturing children by providing them a sense of love, safety, and security as well as an appropriate outlet for self-expression, communication and problem solving.
When children do not have the support of their parents or a healthy relationship with them, they are vulnerable to external forces that may harm them physically and mentally or they may become distant from you and find a confidant externally . They may also develop destructive patterns and behaviors that can last into adulthood. Such children become prone to developing insecure attachments, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse.
Building a strong relationship with your child is the foundation for a lifetime of trust and friendship. But how do you do it?
Here are some tips to help you build a positive relationship with your child:
1. Maintain Open Communication:
The best way to build strong parent-child relationships is through open communication. This means that you should be able to talk freely with your children about any topic and not just the ones that they want to discuss. You can start by asking them what they would like to talk about or if they have any problems at school or with their friends. You can also ask if they have any concerns about their health or well-being.
2. Be Supportive, but not too involved:
While it’s important for parents to be supportive of their kids, it’s also important for you not to get too involved in their lives. As parents, you should try not to give advice unless asked because this could make your child feel like second-guessing their decisions and actions when making choices on their own. When talking about issues that concern them, you should avoid judgment as much as possible so that it does not discourage them from confiding in you again in future situations that may require your support.
3. Be Fair:
Children want fairness from their parents just like adults do from each other when it comes to resolving differences between them or negotiating an issue where there are differing opinions. Moreover, as a parent, you should avoid creating competition and comparisons between your children and others as well, instead learn to appreciate them for who they are. Each child is unique.
4. Show Affection & Praise Regularly:
Children need positive reinforcement like everyone else — especially when they’re young. When you show kindness and affection toward your kids consistently over time, they’ll come to expect it from you and know that it comes from a genuine place rather than just because it’s payday or the weekend or something like that (which would never be enough).
5. Be Mindful:
Model positive behavior for your children by being mindful yourself — e.g., eating mindfully together or taking walks together in nature — and teaching them how to do the same thing. This can help them develop healthier habits and reduce stress in their lives (and yours).
Takeaway
Children’s behaviour varies according to the level of positivity and strength in their relationship with their parents. Therefore, it is important to have a healthy, open relationship with your children for them to grow with values, integrity, and good morals.
If you are a parent struggling to maintain a healthy and balanced relationship with your child, get in touch with us at www.auraciousglobal.com for Parent-Child Coaching sessions!
