This month’s topic is about children and strengthening our relationship bonds with them. This discussion offers suggestions for parents and professionals alike who want to strengthen their relationships with children.
I heard an interesting discussion on NPR radio (click here to listen) titled “The Family Dinner Deconstructed”. This piece takes a deeper look at the research done so far on how the family dinner affects children’s risk factors for smoking, drug, and alcohol use and eating disorders. It appears that eating dinner together still has positive outcomes for our kids if we listen, explain, and take a genuine interest in one another’s day. This study reinforces how spending time with our family can benefit them in all aspects of their development. It’s just 7 minutes long.
Here are some other ways to strengthen your bond with your child:
Cultivate trust by focusing and emphasizing positive behaviors and efforts
Appreciate and enjoy your child’s individuality and uniqueness
Preserve and share your family’s history and traditions
Include them in enriching and stimulating conversations