Posted by
Recently, I felt it was time for a refresher chat with my 4-year-old son on his feelings and emotions. Hence, I sat him down with his favourite glass of PediaSure, and opened a discussion.
A frank emotional connection is as important for kids as it is for us. My son is introspective and curious- his shy personality ensures that he is happiest at home with his family members. As parents, we are mindful of what our children need for optimal physical growth, but we often lose sight of their emotional needs.
Keeping that in mind, here are six tips you can employ to strengthen your emotional bond with your child in India:
BE FRANK AND OPEN
Your primary job as a care giver is the physical and emotional well-being of your child. As I mentioned earlier, my son, and in fact, most children are curious and ask loads of questions. The least we can do is stay calm and answer their innocent queries, even if it is for the 500th time! So be patient with them, answer their questions and help them learn and grow. Repeatedly asking questions is a simple defence mechanism of children, when they are attempting to understand and make sense of new and varied concepts. Be frank as far as possible. Explain things and answer questions in a manner that is palatable for them.
BE CONSISTENT WITH THE INFORMATION YOU PROVIDE
As children grow up, they have a lot to process as it is, and too much information will just confuse them further. You are their only means to understand the outside world, and it is necessary that you stay consistent with your approach.
BE PATIENT AND LISTEN
Don’t lose your patience, instead build connections through listening. Try and look at things from your child’s perspective and finding solutions will become easier! It will help you understand the reasons for their behaviour and allow you to regulate your own behaviour.
SLOW DOWN AND ENJOY THE POSITIVE ASPECTS OF LIFE
It is important to ensure an atmosphere of positivity at home, for your child’s emotional well-being. Hence, keep highlighting the positive aspects of life at all times and practice gratitude. For example, the quality time we spend together as a family in the holidays, is the most precious time for us. I advise you strongly to slow down and enjoy every moment spent together.
MAKE TIME FOR ONE ON ONE DISCUSSION
Turning off all modes of technology when you spend quality time together with your children is important. This shows them that we value their presence and makes us approachable when they need to talk to us. A structured schedule is the bedrock of a fulfilling life for children, so perhaps you can schedule in some quality time together on a daily basis. A structured lifestyle keeps our lives as well as our emotions balanced.
ENCOURAGE THEM TO EXPRESS THEIR FEELINGS THROUGH OTHER MEDIUMS
If you feel that your child is unable to express themselves through conversation, you could encourage them to adopt other means of expression. Art and creativity are a great way to come to terms with any kind of adversity or strife. Encourage your children to draw, paint, act in skits of their own creation, write, dance or sing their feelings to you and everyone at home. This will ensure that your child’s emotional needs are met.
These are a few tips that I adapt for my periodic talks with my son, to nurture our emotional bond. Our little chat together with my cup of coffee and his glass of PediaSure often turns a tough situation into a cheerful one. He gets the nourishment he needs physically from his PediaSure and emotional nourishment through our bonding.
If you feel that the emotional needs of your children are not being met, then I urge you to change that situation now. Adopt these simple strategies to build an emotional bond with your children. They will ensure that your children open up to you. In fact, you will witness a sea change in their personalities and the way they bond with you and other family members.
The opinions expressed in this post are the personal views of the author. They do not reflect the views of any brand. Any omissions or errors at the author’s end does not assume any liability or responsibility on any party mentioned in the blog.
*This is a sponsored post but tips are honest and my own.
**Copyright in content belongs to nooranandchawla.com and cannot be republished or repurposed without permission from the author. As I am a copyright lawyer by profession, infringement of any kind will invite strict legal action.