Today, I’ve put together some tips and advice for how to connect with your child on their level. While this may seem like a no-brainer, we sometimes forget how important these little gestures are, and how much they mean to our children. Do you want to know the best part? It’s what they’ll remember if they ever get older! With all that in mind, here are seven tips to help.
Play Their Favorite Game
Ask your kids what their favorite game is. If they don’t know, ask them what game they like to play on the computer or their phone. Play it together. You’ll likely be surprised at how well you can connect with your child through a game.
Another thing you can do is share with them games that you played as a child, or a game you enjoyed as an adult. This is a great way to connect with your child, and they’ll love the idea of you being just like them, only older.
Get Your Child’s Opinion of Things
Children are very honest when they can be. It’s best to ask them questions about things they truly care about, but you can also sneak it in by commenting that a certain show is funny or when they did something funny during the day.
By getting your child’s opinion, you’re showing your child that you value their opinion and you’re making your child feel special. It’s a win-win, really.
Don’t Force Them to Talk
Sometimes, zeroing in on your child’s interests and joining them in playtime is the best way to connect with your child. Children have shorter attention spans, and sometimes the quiet can be a great way to catch up.
You can talk to them a little bit, or play a game or two with them. Don’t force them to talk; sometimes, silence is better. This may seem contradictory, but it works because children like to know that you’re there for them. You’re not just there to talk, you’re there for them when they want to talk.
Let Them Carry the Conversation
All parents have had this feeling of wanting to talk to their child more, but their child isn’t talking to them. This usually happens when children are at school and you’re at home. You want to talk to them about what happened at school, and they’re acting like everything is okay.
As you play with them, you can ask them how school is. Let them carry the conversation. Not every moment has to be a question and answer session.
Share Your Hobbies – Your Child Will Enjoy Them, Too
Offer to teach your child something that you enjoy. If you go camping, show them some things that they can do. You don’t have to go out of your way to teach them anything. If they’re a little bit interested, mention something or have them tag along with you.
Tell Stories About Their Life
While stories about you as a child are fun to tell, it’s important to remember that your children are living their own lives. When you tell stories about them, they’ll be getting valuable information about how you see them.
You can ask your child leading questions and then proceed to tell them stories about their past. These are great little pieces of advice to share with your child, and it shows them that you’re listening to them.
Have Fun With Them
Easier said than done, but you must have fun with your child. You can enjoy a game of hide and seek while they’re getting ready to go to bed, or you can have fun playing games in the living room.
Final Advice
Remember: you’re having fun with your child, not spending time with them simply because you’re their parent. You can have fun with your children, and you can enjoy being a parent at the same time. It’s not always easy to do, but it can be done.
If you feel pressured or worn out, just know that making time to connect with your children – on their level – is a key way to bond with them for a lifetime. With a bit of luck and a lot of effort, you can have both an enjoyable child and a successful parent. And, your child will be happy with the time spent.
If you enjoyed this post, please share it on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest!
