How To Develop A Closer Bond With Your Kids

You love your kids, but the reality is that you likely don’t always get along. While it’s normal to have good days and bad days, be glad to know there are a few tips you can apply to ensure the good ones will outweigh the bad.

There are a few measures you can put in place that will help you develop a closer bond with your kids. The more time and energy you put into this matter, the more likely it is you’ll find success with your efforts. Focus on looking forward to all the happy times ahead that will come once you and your kids have a stronger relationship.

Be Available & Listen Attentively

You can develop a closer bond with your kids by being available for them. If you’re not and you’re distracted while talking to them, they may shy away from opening up to you in the future. Practice work-life balance and come home at a decent hour, so you have the evenings and weekends with them. Also, commit to listening attentively when they’re talking and sharing with you. Put your phone and electronics aside and lend them an open ear without judgment. Give your advice if they ask for it and let them know that you care and are always there to hear what they have to say.

Spend Quality Time Together

You must spend quality time with your children if you want to develop a closer bond with them. It’s your opportunity to let your hair down and laugh and be silly with your kids. Play is an essential part of you all coming together and sharing common ground. There are a variety of activities you can do together, including hiking, playing board games, and going bowling. It may help to set a day and time each week for when you get together. Make sure that you’re fully present when you’re spending time with your kids and that you try just to have fun and set the tough conversations aside for another day.

Show Interest in Their Activities

You can also develop a stronger bond with your children by looking after your kids and showing an interest in their activities. For example, you can attend their plays or watch their soccer games and cheer them on. They’ll appreciate having you there and that you are making an effort to support and encourage them. Let them pick what activities they participate in instead of trying to force your kids into doing sports or other extracurricular activities that you want them to do. Remember to remind them that you’re proud of them and that you think they’re doing great.

Communicate Openly

Communication is key to any healthy and close relationship. Therefore, work on communicating openly and honestly with your kids. Avoid yelling and raising your voice, and speak to them calmly and maturely so you can successfully exchange ideas. You’ll get more out of the conversation if you’re able to share ideas back and forth without getting emotional and upsetting one another. Have family meetings or eat dinner together to give yourselves opportunities to talk and connect.

Show You Trust Them

Trust is the foundation of any solid relationship or bond. Show your kids you trust them by assigning them responsibilities and tasks in the household. Try your best to back off a bit and not micromanage or hover over them when they’re performing the work. Give them the space and freedom they need to make mistakes or to do it wrong so you can help walk them through doing it the right way. Also, do your best to believe them when they say what they’re up to or where they’re going so you can continue to build more trust over time. While it’s wise to be a parent and keep them safe and healthy, you also don’t want to overstep your boundaries.

Be Patient

Developing a closer bond with your kids takes time, so be patient with the process and each other. It’s unrealistic to expect overnight results and to assume all past transgressions will be forgiven right away. Let your relationship run its course and take the turns and twists it needs to as you try to get closer to one another. Avoid trying to force a relationship between you and your kids and let it grow naturally and organically. It won’t be long before you, and your kids are on your way to enjoying each other’s company and supporting one another through all the inevitable ups and downs of life.