Sometimes, we as parents get so caught up in our busy schedules and other activities to where we forget some basic things we need to do with and for our kids to make them better for society and better individuals as a whole. I have composed a list of 10 reminders to help build better relationships with you and your kids to promote overall growth and self worth.
10. Do not put relationships/ friendships before your kids.
I know that we as parents have lives too, but we should not be so quick to give too much time and attention to our friendships and relationships to where we forget to engage with our children. Some kids come home to a empty house and do not see their parents until the next day. Granted, some parents work and their schedules conflict with spending quality time with their kids, but as far as other social relationships go, your kids should come before your friends as well as your relationship. You never want your kids to feel like they are not the first priority in your life.
9. Engage in your kids school work.
Nothing is more important that instilling the importance of education in your kids. Even if they are not of school age, you should work with them at home to learn the basics. Teachers can only do so much. We as parents have to put in time at home to work with our kids to help get them ahead.
8. Speak life into your kids.
Make your kids feel special. Compliment them. Tell them how beautiful or handsome they are. This will help build their self confidence. Building self-esteem helps with mental issues in the future. You do not want your kids getting bullied and believing the mean things kids are saying about them because they have never heard anything nice about them come from you.
7. Spend more time with your kids than you do on your phone.
With today's technology, it is so easy to get caught up in our electronic devices and neglect our kids. We will turn the TV on for our kids to be entertained for hours while we go off and do our own thing, but we should set a time limit on electronics for both ourselves as well as our kids.
6. Plan fun activities for your kids.
Fun activities outside of home can get expensive, and I know that we as parents mostly have to budget our money. There are very inexpensive things you can do with your kids that will not break the bank. Buy a board game. Kids love playing games. My daughter loves playing a card game I bought for $2 at Walmart. Doing something fun with your kids does not always mean that you have to spend a ton of money. An occasional trip to the local zoo or museum would be nice every now and then, but in the mean time, you can even make up a game and play it with them, and I assure you they will enjoy it and the time spent with you.
5. Make them feel appreciated.
I tell my daughter all the time how I appreciate her and how I appreciate her helping me around the house. Even though she is only 4 years old, she is a great help to me. Take some time to tell them thank you for cleaning their room, or eating all their food. Thank them for acting sweet in public and not misbehaving. Mannerisms start at a young age and go a long way.
4. Compliment them on their good efforts.
When your kids do something good, tell them they are doing a great job. Kids love to feel like they are doing something right, and making their parents proud. Nothing is more pleasing to the heart than making your parents proud of you for something you have done. If your kids make a good grade on a test, compliment them and reward them. They will remember this and strive to continue to do great things in order to continue to hear compliments from their parents.
3. Open them a savings account.
This act of kindness will pay off in the long run. I am not saying you have to deposit thousands of dollars into their account each month, but something is better than nothing. Deposit whatever you can afford, and do not make it available to them until they are 18 or finish college. You want your kids to have something to fall back on in the future. Make a better life for your kids than you had. Pay it forward.
2. Teach them about God.
Just taking your kids to church and making them sit through the service is not going to cut it, especially when they are young. You have to teach your kids at an early age about God and his goodness. You must teach them the importance of having a personal relationship with God and whey they should be thankful. You praying for your child is not going to save them. They have to accept Jesus for themselves. Start reading scriptures to your kids and teaching them about stories in the Bible. Get them excited about learning about Jesus.
1. Love them as much as you can.
If you do not do anything else, love your kids. Make them feel loved. Your kids are a reflection of you. You want to teach your kids to love and to never hate. Love will save you in society before anything else can. Tell your kids you love them everyday. Make them feel special. If kids do not feel loved at home, they will tend to act out and have behavior issues when they get older. Start instilling the importance of love in your child's mind and make them always feel like you love them more than anything, and are always there for them.
Xoxo,
Krispin