 |
Working Moms: Too Busy for Your Children?
17 Quick Ways to Strengthen the Bonds of Love On Mother's Day, we celebrate the most important job on the planet. Most moms appreciate being acknowledged, but many still feel overwhelmed by the pressures of daily life. They would like to fit more time with their children into their busy schedules, but don't know how. The solution may be easier than you imagine. The most important thing you can do for your child is to create and nurture a strong, loving relationship between the two of you. Here are 17 easy ways to strengthen your connection with your child: The good news is: they don't take much time.
Always smile when your child comes in the room.Hug at least once a day. For older children and teens, who may be embarrassed, do it in private. Try telling them YOU are the one who needs it.Schedule time every day to connect with your child - to talk about how their day went or perhaps read together or play a short game of his or her choice. Regularity is more important than length of time.Include your children in your daily activities: Let them help in the kitchen or the garden, but keep the atmosphere light and the conversation easy - no scolding or criticizing. Make up poems or stories together - taking turns adding a line. Laughs are guaranteed.Use words of encouragement rather than criticism. If your child needs correcting, do it gently, in a way that teaches, without scolding or put-downs.Ask your children's opinions often - about little things and also more important issues. Let them know you value their ideas.Watch TV programs together that will help your children to learn about life, then ask their opinion and talk about the issues from the show.Speak to them with courtesy: Say "Please" and "Thank you," and use kind words.Apologize when you have been wrong. Show them we all make mistakes.Write a note to let them know you're thinking about them - perhaps with a joke or funny message - and hide it in their lunch box, book bag or a dresser drawer.Don't expect them to be perfect. Forgive easily - then gently help them learn from their mistakes. Let your children over-hear you praising them to someone else.Create a bed-time ritual. It may include reading a story or poem, saying a prayer, remembering loved ones, talking about the day, singing a song, making funny faces or anything that helps you end the day in a positive way.As you are falling asleep, think of something you appreciate about your child. Feel your love, and send some of it silently to your child.
Sweet dreams. For a free e-book, "How to Get the Best from Your Children," and for more information on how to create harmonious relationships with your children, you may go to: www.feelgoodparenting.com. Pat and Larry Downing of Asheville, NC, have many years of experience counseling teenagers and their parents, conducting family mediations and leading workshops and support groups. They are co-authors of the e-Book, "Feel Good Parenting: How to Use the Power of Your Heart to Create an Extraordinary Relationship with Your Child." Copyright © 2005 by Patricia Downing PERMISSION TO REPUBLISH: This article may be republished in newsletters and on websites, provided you include ALL the above information about the authors, as it appears, including copyright information and live website link.
MORE RESOURCES:
Should you monitor your child's music choices?
My mother spent her formative years in a convent boarding school in India where, when it came to popular music, anything other than Pat Boone was off limits. When I was a tween, my mom allowed me to buy Madonna's...
Parenting chat transcript
Barbara Meltz took your parenting and child-caring questions on Monday. Click the "Replay" button below to read a transcript of the chat. Parenting chat with Barbara Meltz...
Treating autism: Diet, ABA, and other interventions
No one really knows what causes autism. A recent article in Science Direct indicates that children living near toxic waste seem more likely to have autism. Though the thimerosal/MMR vaccine theory has been debunked, many parents feel that the mercury-laced...
Interviewing a new babysitter? 15 questions to ask
I ran into a problem recently, when my youngest kids' school and day care were closed, my husband was away, I had to work, and I had no backup childcare. Yeah, it made for a tough day....
Inside the mind of a child with autism
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1 out of 150 kids have autism, an increase from previous estimates. With autism now more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined, if your child isn't on the...
A birthday party dilemma: Invite the whole class, or not?
My 4-year-old has become a bit of a social butterfly, flitting from playdate to birthday party to after-school adventure in the cul-de-sac with the neighbors. Which is great, except now I'm faced with a birthday party dilemma: Invite the whole...
Autism Awareness: Resources that can help
Kent and Angie Potter's oldest son, Sam, was born prematurely, and from the very beginning they had a swirl of doctors and specialists around them, helping them navigate the world of preemie development. So when Sam started exhibiting severe developmental...
Frosty Soap Painting
Laundry soap and food coloring make a stiff, sudsy paint for your toddler.
Salad Spinner Art
Spin art is a little messy, but it's a fun painting activity for older toddlers.
Color Cards
Your child will enjoy matching cards of the same color in this cooperative activity.
Fishy Beanbag
This easy-to-make beanbag has a real fish shape, complete with open mouth and gills.
Artwork Display
This magnetic ruler will let you display your child's artwork on the refrigerator.
Wax Paper Art
This tempera paint art project is a safe alternative to grated crayons and an iron.
Smashing Towers
Toddlers love to build things and then knock them down.
|
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
|
