It’s not unusual that your cute, cuddly little child, who was once so willing to climb into your laps and share secrets with you suddenly finds it hard to get along or relate to you.
Not to worry, raising kids can often be challenging at times – coupled with the fact that you are dealing with many other pressures like stress from your job. Yet, parenting remains one of the most fulfilling jobs in the world.
However, one of the reasons parenting can be challenging could be that you sometimes find it hard to relate to your child in a positive way.
Nevertheless, you should keep in mind that children don’t stay the same at all stages – they change physically, cognitively, emotionally and socially. What’s more, they may even want to see how far they can push limits set by parents.
As a parent, you need to know how to relate to your child in order to forge a successful relationship with your child by understanding their relational tendency.
Here, we’ve put together some awesome tips to help you relate to your child positively. So, whether you have a child or ten children, you will find these tips useful.
- Play with your children.
Just because you are an adult doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with your kids or bring out your inner child and play with your kids.
As a parent, the best toy you can give your kids is to get down on the floor and play with them.
However, when playing with them, let them select their choice of activity and don’t you worry about rule – just go with the flow and have fun.
Since kids naturally love having their parent’s attention, this will help you understand your child’s interests, feelings and thoughts.
More importantly, it will help you develop a special bond with your children.
- Be nice to your child.
No one has ever caught a sore from being nice to their children. Step down a little and physically go to your child’s level so you can look them in their eyes while kneeling or place them on your laps. It’s more like you immersing yourself in their little world.
- Give appropriate praise.
Children deserve positive feedback when they do something supportive or good. Cheer them on with phrases like “good job” or give them a high-five. This will get them excited and give them a sense of accomplishment.
More so, it’s also a great way to reinforce good behaviour, so your child is more likely to keep up with the good character.
On the contrary, belittling remarks or comparing a child unfavourably with another will make the child feel worthless.
- Learn to compromise
Learn to compromise with your kids like embracing their choice of hobbies or discuss what hobby you could both enjoy and have fun together.
Trust this, it’s really a great way to get to spend time together.
So always try to meet halfway and compromise when it comes to your kid’s interests.
- Spend Time Together
Spend time together with your child and make a habit of doing things together.
You could do things like running to the store or taking a walk together – those moments are an opportunity to connect with what’s happening in each of your daily lives.
- Accept that you’re different
Neither you nor your child should feel the need to change who you are in order to bond or get along with each other. Accept that you’re different and work with it.
Also, remember they say opposites attract, and this can also apply to the parent-child relationship. You both are who you are, so don’t feel like you have to change that.
- Move on
Remember that children are usually quick to forgive you when you tell them; “I’m sorry”, so should you emulate them.
Nevertheless, try not to stress your point with long talks or explanations in the hope of winning your child to your ways of thinking – or relieving your own hurts.
- Talk it out
Instead of nagging or yelling, talk to your children.
You can’t expect children to do everything simply because you as a parent “say so.” They want and deserve explanations as much as adults do.
If you don’t take time to explain, they will begin to wonder about your motives and whether they have any basis. Reason with your kids, allow them to understand and learn in a non-judgmental way.
Also, be open to your child’s suggestions as well. If there is a problem, express your feelings and invite your child to work on a solution with you.
- Negotiate
Most power struggles revolve around whether a child will obey. If your child would rather do the washing than take out the thrash, remind yourself that he/she is contributing to getting the house chores done and that’s what matters.
After all, we are all more co-operative when we are allowed to do things in our own way.
10.Say No
If you do not feel up to doing something, say so. Children know when their parents feel boxed in and resentful. Listen when your children say no too because when their opinions are respected, they learn to stand up for what you and they believe in.
Above all, remember that the relationship you forge with your child will remain one of the most important bonds you’ll ever establish. You’ll have a relationship with your children all through their lives, but the rules will change as they reach adulthood.
