You have the power to help your child shine
Your relationship with your child nurtures their physical, emotional and social development. It lays the foundation for your child’s personality, life choices and overall behaviour. It can also affect the strength of their social, physical, mental and emotional health.
From the day you brought your child home with you, you have worked on this relationship. As your child grows, the relationship between you and them may change. Parenting is tough and you will make mistakes. Sometimes you will face hard times in your relationship with your child. With effort, care and attention, you and your child can work through these challenges and overcome them. The lockdown gives you a great opportunity to build the relationship with your child, for when they are at home and also once they go back to school.
Practical guidelines on developing a strong relationship with your child
Build trust
- It is important to listen to your child. Set aside 10-20 minutes every day to listen to your child. During this time, it is important to give your child your undivided attention and try not to be the one talking.
- Try to be as honest as possible with your child about what is going on at a level that is appropriate for their age. Help them to understand the situation and explain the steps that they need to take to stay safe.
- Be as consistent as possible with your child when it comes to rules and home routine.
- Show your child love and care, this is a difficult period for everyone.
Communicate with your child
- Try to make communication with your child a two-way process, with both of you listening and talking to each other.
- One of the best ways to do this is to talk to your child about the things that are important to them.
- Allow them to ask questions. If you don’t know the answer, try to find it together.
Highlight the positive
- Congratulate or praise your child when he or she performs a task well.
- Reassure your child when they are struggling or face challenges. Because of their fears, young children may experience regression e.g. bed wetting, baby talk, thumb sucking and temper tantrums.
- Give your child simple chores to help the family. This will make him/her feel important and build their self-esteem.
