5 Things Parents Can Do Today to Connect With Their Kids
Early childhood and adolescence are critical developmental times for children. Studies indicate that when children are connected with their families, role models and nature, they are substantially better off, inspired and empowered for a better life trajectory. Kids need their parents to be consistently involved in their lives every day! In fact connection with family, mentors and nature, more than anything else, have the most significant impact on a child’s life trajectory. Of course this requires a conscious effort but done right, intentionally investing in building and enjoying relationships with your children should be the brightest part of a parent’s day. Here are five simple ideas you can do today to be connected or reconnected with your children, all can be done today for little to no cost. Remember, thinking and doing are not the same thing. The best of intentions without planning and action will not achieve your objectives. So, plan your life, work your plan and thrive!
1) At Least One Meal Together Each Day - Even if family schedules are not aligned, plan on sitting with your children each day when they eat. Dinner is certainly a great meal for this but if not then, find another meal or way to plan this into your day. Even if you are not eating yourself, sit with your child, be entirely present, focused, keep the TV off and all electronics away from the table. Frequently children are reluctant to open up and share so make your conversation a game. In our house we play “Three Things About Your Day.” In this fun game each person at the table takes a turn at being center stage to share three things about their day. Related conversation often blossom, still, in time that person needs to go through three things. These three points can be whatever strikes their fancy of the speaker. Be certain to truly listen while your children are sharing!! Listen as if there will be a test. You amazed at the discoveries, conversations, solutions and connections that come out of this. When they have finished, person speaking gets to designate the next speaker.
2) Go For A Walk. Put your shoes on, grab a coat and take to the streets, even fifteen minutes will do. How far is it to go around your block or to the closest park? What is happening on your street? What effect are the seasons having on the plants, living things around you and related happenings? Be observant, at times be silent, other times ask questions and share thoughts. What is going on in your neighborhood, how can you be involved and connected.
3) Plant and Grow. Indoors or out gardening is one of life’s great gifts. Winter is coming and this is a great time to consider plant something new. Many veggies and herbs can be grown indoors from cuttings. No matter how extensive or simple your gardening endeavor is, the resulting satisfaction, shared insights and connection are profound and lasting.
4) Read Aloud and Share What You Read. Reading provides one of life’s truly magical experiences. At any reading level 20 minutes of shared reading aloud can illuminate hearts and fill relationships with seemingly limitless points of connection. Additionally, discuss the books and stories that each of you are reading on your own, how you envision the characters and settings in your head or perhaps how they differ from onscreen adaptations if they exist.
5) Touch. Embrace the power of touch. Hugs, hand holding, an arm around a shoulder, lighthearted wrestling, hair play, manicure and pedicure are each a fantastic place for connection. It is true that everyone needs to groom but you will find that this will be much more. My girls love to comb my hair into truly absurd styles with pigtails, clips and the works, they paint my toes and almost laugh their heads off in the process. When it is my turn, I attend to them giving and receiving love in a way that only a parent understands, while they intern bask in the glory of the focused attention and allow the simplest sensation of touch to sooth their soul until they are almost in a trance.
Plan these for today and everyday after. Let me know what additional ideas you have and how you have enjoyed these.