Are you wondering what are steps you can take to build strong, positive relationships with your children?
Sit down, relax, and let Beyond Small Talk guide you!
Actress, mother, and Beyond Small Talk guest Princess Punzalan talks about parenthood and shares 5 practical tips to help you improve your ties with your little ones:
1. Praise your children
According to the parenting website Raising Children, praise is when you tell your child that you like what they are doing or how they are behaving. Telling them praises such as “Good job!” or “What you did was amazing!” nurture their confidence and sense of self.
Likewise, it lets them know that you love them and believe in their abilities.
“I noticed that praising them is important. When they do something right, they are happy when we notice it. We are human beings; we want to be appreciated. We want to be loved. Our children respond well when we praise them,” Princess explained.
2. Do fun things together
Raising children is a challenging task – especially during this pandemic when you are all cooped up inside your home. But it is also fulfilling, and it can be fun!
Having fun doesn’t need to involve a serious activity or expensive trip. It can be as simple as riding a bike or playing a game together – as long as everyone enjoys it. Whatever floats your boat!
As Princess puts it, “It’s good to build memories where you are having fun with your kids.”
Parenting NI agrees, noting that spending special time with your children helps encourage communication and strengthen family bonds.
3. Talk about their feelings
When was the last time that you asked your children about how their day went? What about how they are holding up during this pandemic?
If you haven’t talked about their feelings yet, today is a good time to start!
“Let’s ask them how they feel. For some people, it will be harder to express their feelings, but I have seen that the more we talk about our feelings, the easier we can deal with them,” Princess suggested.
4. Join a support group
Support groups – whether online or offline – can bring comfort and friendship.
Whether they are your trusted friends and relatives, churchmates, or people in your community, it is helpful that you have the support of other parents who are going through the same situation.
These people can guide you, pray for you, and empower you to become a better parent.
5. Write down what you appreciate about your children and share it with them
What are the things that are praiseworthy about your children? Write them down.
Jot down those well-meaning words on your post-its, gratitude journal, or note app on your phone. Then, share it with your children.
The act may seem simple, but an encouraging remark from you every now and then could be all that your children need to feel that they are seen, heard, and loved.
May the love of the Lord rule in your home!
“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15 ESV)
For more tips about nurturing relationships, watch the next webisode of Beyond Small Talk this coming Saturday, May 29, 2021, at 7:00 PM on The 700 Club Asia Facebook page and YouTube channel!
