5 Ways To Nurture Great Parent-Child Relationships

Parenting can be the most fulfilling and rewarding job in the world, but the very nature of being a parent means that challenges are frequently thrown your way.

Having a great parent-child relationship can mean that even when the going gets tough, you can be safe in the knowledge that you and your child will be a-okay.

Whether it be struggles with mealtimes, bedtimes, or everything in between, nurturing a great parent to child relationship will benefit both you and your little one in many positive and valuable ways.

Why is having a great parent-child relationship important for your child?

Aside from making for a fun, happy, everyday life, a great parent-child relationship also sets your kid up for success. Here’s how:

You teach them what a healthy relationship looks like

The relationship between you and your child is the first relationship that your kid will ever experience, and the first of many strong bonds that they’ll form in their lifetime.

By building a strong, positive relationship with your child, you are laying down healthy foundations for the future — teaching them important lessons on how to form bonds and interact with others.

And that cannot be undervalued!

Your reactions to their smiles, laughter, tears, and tantrums are so important. On a daily basis, you are showing your child how they should expect to be treated by others. So by exhibiting love, compassion, and listening to their problems, you are teaching them what they should — and shouldn’t — look for from relationships later in life.

It nurtures their holistic development

By being involved and interested in your child, you are also helping with many other aspects of your child’s development. For example, teaching your child to be open with you about their emotions — both positive and negative — is invaluable to their mental and emotional development.

When you show your kids that it’s okay to talk about their emotions, you’re giving them tools to maintain good mental health right into their adult lives. Supporting your child’s development in this way will also teach them how to regulate and control their emotions, meaning they are less likely to become overwhelmed and act out.

Why is having a great parent-child relationship important for you?

It’s not just your kids that benefit from a happy parent-child relationship. By making this a priority, you will save yourself so much wasted time and so many sleepless nights.

Minimize the risk of behavioral problems

Good parent-child relations have been proven to reduce the prevalence of bad behavior. A child that feels a strong bond with their parents is more likely to want to help out at home, listen, and follow directions.

A great parent-child relationship will mean that your child is less likely to test your boundaries and break the rules — and who wouldn’t want a more well-behaved child?

Establish a long-lasting relationship

Most importantly, by nurturing a great parent-child relationship from a young age, you set up all the right conditions for long-lasting intimacy.

Children that form a positive relationship with their parents will continue to be open and honest about their experiences and emotions as they move through school, college, and well into their adult lives.

5 ways to nurture great parent-child relationships

So now you know just how important parent-child relationships are, let’s focus on what you can do to get it right:

#1. Play together

If you have young children, most of their day, interests, and priorities will be focused on play.

So why not join them?

By taking part in their games, asking them about the toys they are playing with or dressing up as their favorite superhero, you will be interacting with your children when they are at their happiest and most content.

Of course, as your child gets older, the way they play will change. If you can continue that interest — bonding with them over team sports, creative hobbies, dance class, etc. — you’ll continue nurturing the groundwork you’ve put in already.

#2. Tactility

When playing with your kid(s), make sure there are lots of loving interactions between you (eye contact, listening to each other, hugs and kisses).

This helps them know that you’re fully present and interested.

#3. “I love you”

Hugs and kisses are one thing. But you should also tell your child you love them.

Tell them when you’re rushing to get ready for school. Tell them when you’re eating dinner. Tell them when you’re getting them ready for bed. Tell your child you love them as often and frequently as possible. This lets them know that they are a priority in your life, that they are safe, and that you will continue to love them no matter what.

As a result, your child will come to you with their problems. They’ll be open and honest; unafraid of what you’ll say in return. This will help your parent-child relationship to continue to grow and strengthen every, single day.

#4. Listen and empathize

So now you’ve made it easy for your little one to come to you when they’re upset. But you’re busy — there’s dinner in the oven, clothes to hang out to dry, and a whole host of other chores to tackle.

What do you do?

Whenever possible, stop what you’re doing and listen. Now, this won’t be feasible every time; Moms and Dads are busy people! But your child needs to feel that you’re there.

And when you do make yourself available, cut out all distractions. Really listen to what they are saying to you — there may be some things that they are not saying aloud.

Try to understand where they are coming from and put yourself back in the shoes of a child. There’s no one better than you to help them out.

#5. Eat meals together

Are you struggling to get your son off of the games console? Does it feel like your teenage daughter won’t ever put her phone down? You may feel like your parent-child relationship is being put at a slight disadvantage by the distractions of technology. Dinner time is an ideal opportunity to hang out — no screens allowed! This will give you quality time to talk, listen,