Ways to Cultivate a Loving Relationship With Your Kids

Priorities change over time, especially when you add children into the mix. Before having kids, your priorities were whatever you wanted them to be; career growth, travel and an endless number of hobbies were yours to pursue at your leisure. Having kids changes things. Suddenly, your focus is on loving and raising your little ones. How you treat them and bring them up are main factors in determining who they will be and how they will impact the world. It is important you develop an intimate relationship with your kids. Read on to learn some fun ways you can connect with your children, regardless of their age.

Share Your Interests With Them

Whatever your interests may be, give your kids an opportunity to share in the activity with you. Young kids, and even older kids (though you will likely have a hard time getting them to admit it) idolize their parents. They watch you and want to be involved in things that interest you. Do you like to fish? Take them out with you next time you go. Buy some fishing equipment for them to use so they can participate. If you are not sure if they will want to come on a regular basis, rent some equipment instead. Do you love applying makeup? Teach your daughter how to do hers. Show her how you use the products and help her do her own. If she is older and likes doing her own makeup, gift her with some new products, such as lipstick, eyeshadows or a new brow kit. Love to cook? Let your child choose the meal for dinner once or twice a week, then shop for the produce together and cook together.

Take Them on a Date

Surprise your son or daughter by taking them on a date. Quality, one-on-one time together is important, especially if you have multiple children. This allows you to spend time alone to connect with your child without any distractions. If your child is younger, take them to the park and then for some ice cream. Try something seasonal in your area, such as apple picking or ice skating. If your child is older, do something simple such as a coffee date or window shopping at a favorite store. If you want to do something a bit more extravagant, surprise them with concert tickets for their favorite musician or dress up and take them to a theater performance.

Do an Act of Kindness for a Stranger

Another activity that can strengthen your relationship with your child is doing an act of kindness for a stranger. This is an excellent way to teach children the importance of generosity and being grateful for all they have. Take some time to sit with your child and brainstorm some ways you can show kindness to others. These can be simple, every day interactions, such as sharing their toys with another child at the park or helping someone up who may have fallen at recess. As your child gets older, it is easier for them to become wrapped up in the tasks of day-to-day life, so it is even more vital to emphasize the value of encouraging others. Challenge your older child to find some creative ways to show kindness to a stranger, versus an everyday action like holding the door for the person behind you. They could go to the dollar store and put together a care package for the homeless person you pass every day. Another option is having your child find a new neighbor and offer to mow the lawn or shovel the snow for them.

Regardless of your child’s age, you will never stop being their parent, someone they depend on and look up to. While deepening your relationship with your child takes time and effort, it does not always have to be difficult. Reflect on the above activities and determine what you can do to emphasize your love and the importance of your child.