We all want to be good parents and building relationships takes time. Ten minutes of quality time with your child daily without phone distractions can help strengthen that relationship. Do things with your child in which you are not an expert; explore their interests. One must positively communicate with their children to create healthy relationships, and this will allow you to explore their interests and discover their identity. Talking to them can reveal shared interests like sports or dance. Ask your child about their feelings and how they view their relationship with you. Talking to your kids will strengthen your bond and help you spot concerns, making you a better parent.
Additionally, love and affection are vital for kids. Positive touch can show them how much you love and value them. A loved child is happier and has more self-esteem. Positive touch goes a long way in showing that you care. Let your kids know they can come to you with anything, and you will help them navigate their situations. Kids get enough criticism from the world; don't give them more at home. Just as we expect kids to respect their parents, parents should respect their children to build strong bonds. Let them speak without judging them, applaud their wins, and offer advice rather than criticism.
The goal is that the positive and healthy relationship that you have with your child will set the tone for their future relationships. As your child considers their relationships with others, you can encourage them to consider friendships that make them happy and healthy rather than pressured and insecure. Be mindful of the friends that your child chooses, since their friends will shape them. While being overbearing can lead to your child resenting you, setting clear boundaries and expectations helps build order in the household and in your relationship with the child. Monitor your children to ensure they are being positively impacted in their relationships. Good parents can teach their children how to value themselves. Kids without adequate self-esteem struggle in areas such as school and social situations. They may have trouble making friends and loving themselves. Remind them to be themselves and praise them for the good you see them doing.
Ultimately, a healthy parent-child connection involves time, effort, and love. Value communication, empathy, quality time, and mutual respect to develop an enduring connection. Remember, the parent-child relationship is one of our greatest blessings, and cultivating its growth and potential is one of the most enjoyable journeys that parents can take.