How to Nurture Your Parent-Child Relationship

When going through a divorce we worry about our children and how they’re feeling.  We want to make certain that they know how much we love them and that we will be there for them, whether Mom and Dad are together or not.  We feel communicating with our children is more important now than ever.

And while this may be true, creating time to spend with our children is something we should always make a priority.  Learn how our expert suggests we continue to nurture our parent-child relationship.

Be the Best Five Minutes of Your Child’s Day

Proximity must be built into the first stage of a strong connection. Parents often take the easy way out and talk to their child as they come into a room or even talk from one room across to another room. Some moms call out as soon as they get home from work and the child responds through a closed door, and yet, both parent and child feel this is communicating.

Imagine the power a regular close conversation would have on your child. You can do this in just five minutes. First, you need to be able to touch shoulders or hips/legs sitting side by side. Get close enough that you can hear each other breathing, you can feel the other person’s body warmth and you can even smell their shampoo or body soap.

Then you need to start the connection with an open-ended statement. “I am glad to be here with you, please share with me one thing you did today.” Then wait without words. Don’t ask questions, don’t drill your child just enjoy the short time you have together. Proximity is what makes closeness and a connection. This time is what memories are made of. After your five minutes are up or the conversation is over. Smile and tell your child “Thank you for sharing your life with me”.

Written by: Julia Simens, Author and Family Counselor, Jsimens – Helping Families Worldwide

How often do you take time out of your schedule to sit and chat with your children?