Being a parent is a very chaotic job, and much like juggling, you are constantly balancing various jobs and trying to make sure you don’t fail at any of them. With that being said, at the end of the day, your number one priority should be your relationship with your child.
You need them to know that they matter, that they can come to you for anything, that you love them and that all of their needs are taken care of. That might sound like a huge job (because it is) but the major point of focus should be making time for each of your children, individually, especially if you have more than one child. That might sound like a tough job, but there are some small, simple tips to help you along the way.
1. Spend 1 on 1 time with your child.
Every day, spend some uninterrupted, one on one time with your child. Whether that’s a walk together, or the two of you just sitting down and talking is up to you. But whatever the case may be, just make sure that they have your undivided attention.
2. Ask specific questions that show that you care.
Ask them about their day, about their friends, about their favorite hobby, or whatever is going on in their life. Keep up with them and always check on them. When you do this, you are showing them you are invested in them and what is happening in their world.
3. Create little rituals.
Create small traditions with your child. Simple rituals like listening to certain music together, or dancing around the kitchen while you cook may seem like something small, but to your kids, this can make all the difference in the world.
4. Show an interest in what they love.
If they have a hobby or interest that you don’t know a whole lot about, get invested in it. Ask them about it. Read up about it and if you can, join in.
5. Don’t be stingy with affection.
Even if you were raised in a family that wasn’t extremely affectionate, it’s important to break that generational curse. Your kids need your affection, in the form of hugs, kisses, and snuggles, and just picking them up and loving on them when they are going through something.
6. Make eye contact and smile.
Never underestimate the small things. Did you know that it’s instinctual for your child to try to read your face to understand how you feel? Help them to feel comforted by smiling at them warmly.
7. Go out of your way to show them you care.
Make sure that your child knows that you care. Sometimes, you can do this in small ways, but if you have the opportunity to go above and beyond to show them how much they mean, do it.