Tips To Improve Parent Child Bonding
6. Offer opportunities
Your children deserve all the opportunities they can get – whether they are at school or play. Did your parents give you ample opportunities when you were young? Yes? Then I’m sure you know the value! It can be the opportunity to learn an instrument, the opportunity to confess, the opportunity to perform, it can be anything – as long as it adds value to their lives.
7. Set an example before your child, when it comes to behaving in public
I’ll be honest – I judge people very easily. If a teenager pees on the subway train – my mind goes “Is this what their parents taught them?” Last week on the subway – I saw a teenage girl making out with an older guy in public. First I went “What has the world come to” then, “I never want my child to behave like this!” I can’t think of many women out there who will disagree with me. I recommend that you set the rules for behavior in public for your preteen. The do’s and don’ts should be very clear. Start by setting an example yourself. It can be as little as throwing the rubbish in the bin.
8. Prepare your children for middle school
Okay, here is the boring bit. Middle school, whether you like it or not, is going to dump a lot of extra work on your children. Your preteen child is on his/her way to more homework, more friends, more problems, and more needs. Use subtle language to show them what’s ahead. You know what works for me? I told my preteen daughter a few months back “Do your homework well. You will have tons more in middle school” Note the subtle warning.
9. Prepare your child for puberty
Prepare for puberty – as easy as it sounds, it’s not! Firstly, you need to accept puberty. Remember getting your first period? Remember your first few curious moments? Yep, it’s confusing and exciting. Of course, there is education at school, but is that really enough? I recommend that you sit down and have a chat with your preteen child about puberty. Be subtle, be open and be clear. Remember, this is not the time to tell them the story about the stork carrying the baby. Believe me, they know more than you think they know.
10. Support your child’s growth
You are the pillar of your child’s life. You are their lifeline – their support system. Have you ever thought if you go overboard? Or if you are spoon feeding them? I suggest that you learn how to resist the urge to control your child’s interests, thoughts, hobbies and moods. It is crucial to know when to step back and let them have their own space. Believe in your child’s abilities and believe in your parenting skills. You hold the key to their growth.
These 10 ways to increase parent-child bonding are not the end of the world. They are a ladder that you can use to reach higher levels of compatibility with your child. I’m sure that this ladder will lay a strong foundation for a healthy bond between you and your children.
