Learning how to have a better relationship with your child is not going to be the most natural thing you’ll ever do. Take it from Glendalyn Fodra, a mother of two sons, it takes time, practice, patience, and ultimately making a few mistakes here and there. The parent to child relationship is as delicate as a robin’s egg, and if you plan on allowing that egg to hatch into a beautiful and fulfilling relationship, where both of you soar in creating lasting memories together, you’ll have to watch how you step.
Fortunately, there are several practical methods to keep in mind when it comes to creating a better relationship with your child. It’s important to know that not every parent to child relationship is the same, and what works for others may not always work for you and your child. Nonetheless, if you know without a doubt that you’d like to improve upon that relationship, you’re already making a step in the right direction.
First of all, think about the things that your child has told you recently. Were you listening, or were you simply hearing? Were you doing something other than giving your child your undivided attention? Were you formulating what you would respond with before your child even finished talking?
Many of the problems that emerge in a problematic parent to child relationship have to do with improper listening. Think about all the times that you may have glossed over something significant that your child was telling you. Often, when a child lashes out, it’s because they inadvertently feel that they’re not being listened to well enough.
In addition to giving your undivided attention to your child when he or she needs it most, it’s equally important to let your child express themselves with the unique personality they were given. One of the most significant conflicts between a parent and a child comes about when there is a difference in opinion about who the child should be. This is especially so in matters of personal hobbies, career paths, romantic attractions, and other areas of interest.
Instead of telling your child who he or she should be, consider carefully nurturing the positive aspects that your child already expresses. Even if it means stepping outside of your comfort zone, or allowing your child to learn a valuable life lesson the hard way, it’s essential to be mindful of not overstepping your boundaries. Building a better relationship with your child should be done in a way where you look out for their well-being, but also with caution to carefully avoid forcing your own opinions on them.
Ultimately, with all of the information that children have access to online, they’re going to develop new characteristics as they learn and grow. If you want to have the best relationship with your child, you’ll want to engage in their lives by paying attention to these changing interests. Take the time to go on a trip with your child to somewhere that they would like, or simply sit down with them and try to see the world in the way that they do. You might find that you’re amazed by all of the incredible qualities your child possesses.
About Glendalyn Fodra:
Glendalyn Fodra is a physical therapist, loving mother, and caring wife who enjoys helping others and spending quality time with friends and family. She is known for her leadership and strong work ethics, but she devotes all of her free time to caring for her family and socializing with other Filipino families in Tennessee.