Bonding With Your Kids
Bonding with your child is one of the most valuable gifts you can give them. It will be the thing that creates trust in your relationship and makes the biggest difference as they grow older. When your kids believe you will be there no matter what they will be able to come to you when they are struggling. Here are some simple ways to create a lifelong bond with your kids at any age.
Eating Together
Research shows that there is a link between eating meals with your kids and an increased chance of better health, eating habits, better academic performance, improved behavior and better social skills. It doesn't always have to be dinner. If you work nights, a breakfast together can be just as beneficial to your child's development.
Turn Off Technology
When you spend time with your kids treat them like a priority by turning off your phone. Not only does this show that you value your time together, it will teach them to treat others the same way. Human connection is such a gift we take for granted in a world full of social media.
Be Involved
Take interest in their hobbies. Show up to the games. Be their biggest cheerleader. When you are invested in whatever your child is doing it creates confidence that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. When you believe in them, they believe in themselves.
Mutual Respect
When you discipline your child, talk to them like a human being. Expect them to talk to you the same way. When you treat them like a person they won't be scared to come to you if a big issue arises in the future. They aren't just your kids, they are little people who deserve to be treated as such.
Bonding with your kids doesn't have to be a huge daunting task. It's the little things. It's showing them that you love them every single day and setting aside the time to be there. You don't have to be a DisneyLand parent to have a bond with your kids. We were all kids and teenagers at one point. I challenge you to look back at that time in your life and reflect on how your parents treated you or what you wished was different then.
<3 Bri