10 ways to connect with your child
Our lives have become so busy that we are often doing many jobs at the same time whilst trying to cook, clean and be with the family. I know that I often feel like I don’t get jobs done as I am doing too many things at the same time and never get the time to finish them. Plus there is the parents ‘guilt’ that comes because you want to be doing fun things with the children, but other things need to be done. I have asked Julie from Julie’s Tutoring to write about some ideas on how to be with your family and connect with your children. Relationships from an early age is so important and will build the trust with your child so that when it comes to the teenage years they know they can rely on you. So read the article, then put the phone away and have fun doing family time.
- Family meal time. No screens (including the TV), just conversation and sharing a meal. Implement this as often as you can.
- Age appropriate physical activity. Walk the dog together, go to the playground, play one-on-one basketball, go for a walk, play classic catch…
- Rituals. Rituals are incredibly important for families. Keep it simple and to something that works for you with minimal extra effort. A favourite ritual in my house is Pancake Sunday.
- Shared activities. Conversations are far easier when you are both engaged in an activity. If you want to have a tricky conversation, have it side by side (go for a walk, do the dishes) rather than face to face (across the dinner table). Allow your child to avoid eye contact. Trust me, it works.
- Ask them what they would like to do, then join in with it (without any distractions ie – your phone).
- Create something together (cooking, gardening, craft, a playlist for the school drop off or an upcoming road trip).
- Physical connection. Hug, cuddle, kiss, shake hands, high fives, fist bumps, thumb wars, brush hair, tousle hair, tickle. Keep it age appropriate and to what is comfortable for you both.
- Extended family gatherings. Catch up with your cousins, aunties, grandparents. Research shows children who are connected to their extended family are more resilient. And resilience is one of the most important traits your child needs to enjoy life and maintain mental health.
- Connect with your community. Another key to resilient kids is connection to community. So attend a local event, join a club (sports or otherwise), have the neighbours over for a barbecue. Do something to interact with the people who share your town or region.
- Nature based activity. Head to one of the national parks and go for a walk, have a fish, go for a swim. Explore the natural world together. Having a connection with nature is vital for wellbeing.
Julie is based in Port Lincoln and offers tutoring services to children who are needing that little bit of extra help. Contact Julie via her Facebook page www.facebook.com/
