“To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart.”
This quote by Donald Laird is truer while handling kids. Handling kids by bestowing love helps in developing a good relationship between parents and their kids. Everyone loves his or her child. No one can deny this. It is but natural.
Even a person, who brings a pet at home, after spending a few hours, develops a relationship with the animal and treats it as just as another member of the family. Then this is his child - his own child.
Love is a two-way process. You shower love on your kids and you receive love in return from them and also earn respect.
Bonding with your child is one of the important means to show you love your kid. Proper bonding develops a positive relationship between parent and a child.
It is important to stay bonded with your child right from their childhood till later.
This bonding can be enhanced by-
Communication:
Communication with your child is vital. Have open communications with him. Allow him to ask questions.
“He who asks a question may be a fool for five minutes, but he who never asks a question, remains a fool forever.”
Tom Connelly
Answer questions honestly. When you talk, speak only what you know. When in doubt, say - “that is a good question. It has to be confirmed or looked into.” Learn about what you don't know. Try to answer unanswered queries by involving the child.
Spare Time:
When your child needs you, give him time. Children want your attention. Take time out of your work to be with them. Presence is more than just being there. It helps in letting your child know that you love him.
Affection:
Show your affection by hugging them and kissing them.
Faith and beliefs:
Teach your kids your faith and beliefs. Let them understand what is correct and what is wrong; what is good and what is evil.
Teach them manners. Teach them to respect elders and love their juniors.
Value their opinion:
Ask for their opinion. For example, while shopping, ask them their choice and try to accept it. It will definitely help a child to know you value his or her opinion. If you disagree, then say it is not good for them. Do not try to reason or enter into a debate. Be brief in your explanation.
- Have meals together
- Never abuse your child
Bed time stories:
The practice of telling or reading a story during bedtime will be remembered by them for a long time.
These are the few suggestions to enhance bonding.
Let your kids feel they are more important to you than anything else. Let your kid know that to the world, he or she may be just one person, but to you they are your world.
