It’s best to forge a bond with your kids when they are still very young. Unfortunately, many new parents overlook this because for a new family, money is often very tight. This means two or even three jobs for Mom and Dad and no time for quality time with the kids. The day is often a whirlwind of dropping kids at school, juggling day jobs, picking the kids up and doing chores, and bedtime – no time at all for family activities.
You don’t really have to spend entire days to matter in your children’s formative years. in fact, the simplest gestures and examples of affection means a lot to a child and they remember those things. Hanging that macaroni art or participant ribbon like it’s an Olympic gold medal will stay with the child forever. So do the memories of a seemingly simple dinner out when they get good grades.
You don’t really have to spend a lot to be a good parent. Inexpensive picnics out in parks or even just the front yard can go a long way into showing that you care. Bring home-cooked meals and have a blast outside. Speaking of home cooked-meals, a great way to bond with children is to make them help out in the kitchen. You can do your favorite chocolate cookies and cupcake recipes to give them the job of decorating these little treats. As children are on a school break during the holidays, enlisting their help making cupcakes cups for Christmas is a great way to spend quality time together. You can make a fun game out of it and see who can come up with the best cupcake decorating ideas.
Bills have to get paid and you are working overtime for them after all, but you must slow down from time to time as well. Make them feel important by listening to them and showing a real interest in the things that interest them – their hobbies, heroes, and aspirations are all important matters that you should know. When they are old enough, you have to start explaining to them the major decisions that affect your family like moving to a new place – even better if you consult them before you make the decision.
You have to balance rewards with punishments in raising a child. Making them learn lessons in a “tough love” sort of way is a good way to bond, believe it or not. Just be sure to make them understand the reason behind why they are being punished and be consistent in dishing it out. To make the lesson stick, the punishment has to be harsh enough that it becomes a life lesson. But be careful in this area because if a kid feels that what you did was excessive, he or she may harbor ill feelings towards you and the bond you are trying so hard to make will be unraveled. Be sure to show respect for them as feeling and thinking individuals even if they are still small and you will enjoy your time together more.
You don’t really have to spend a lot to be a good parent. Inexpensive picnics out in parks or even just the front yard can go a long way into showing that you care. Bring home-cooked meals and have a blast outside. Speaking of home cooked-meals, a great way to bond with children is to make them help out in the kitchen. You can do your favorite chocolate cookies and cupcake recipes to give them the job of decorating these little treats. As children are on a school break during the holidays, enlisting their help making cupcakes cups for Christmas is a great way to spend quality time together. You can make a fun game out of it and see who can come up with the best cupcake decorating ideas.
Bills have to get paid and you are working overtime for them after all, but you must slow down from time to time as well. Make them feel important by listening to them and showing a real interest in the things that interest them – their hobbies, heroes, and aspirations are all important matters that you should know. When they are old enough, you have to start explaining to them the major decisions that affect your family like moving to a new place – even better if you consult them before you make the decision.
You have to balance rewards with punishments in raising a child. Making them learn lessons in a “tough love” sort of way is a good way to bond, believe it or not. Just be sure to make them understand the reason behind why they are being punished and be consistent in dishing it out. To make the lesson stick, the punishment has to be harsh enough that it becomes a life lesson. But be careful in this area because if a kid feels that what you did was excessive, he or she may harbor ill feelings towards you and the bond you are trying so hard to make will be unraveled. Be sure to show respect for them as feeling and thinking individuals even if they are still small and you will enjoy your time together more.
