Article by Smt Sreedevei Haridas,
Remedial Educator & Counsellor, Atma CADC
Listen to your child:
Have you ever taken time to listen to your children? When you listen to them, stop what you are doing. Turn around, and be with them. Give them undivided attention.
Look into their eyes as you speak to them. In case you are busy on the phone, you can tell them you will be right back.
Bed time stories:
Read out to them when they go to bed or anytime they ask you to.
Converse with them:
Can you enjoy a conversation with your child? Listen to them without interpreting, criticizing or questioning them? When you do so they become more comfortable to approach you. Just listen to them without interrupting them. Just have fun conversation with them.
Be there for them:
They need to know that you are there for them. Be actively present in their lives
It will make them feel protected and guided. They will be confident to venture into anything. It’s a memory that will last a life time.
Treat them:
Go for an outing , an holiday, zoo , an ice cream, pizza hut, a drive… all these will show them how you love to spend time with them.
One to one attention:
Take time to spend time with your child. They enjoy one to one sessions. This makes them feel important. Like helping you in shopping, baking a cake, trying a new recipe.
Be their biggest fan:
Be present in their activities. Like sports, annual day, competitions. Show them how proud you are of them and their efforts they took. Cheer them!• Smile, hug, praise:
This will message them you are their biggest fan.
Catch your child being good:
Find reasons to praise them every day for cooperating, helping, getting good grades and so on.
Show support in their interest and activities:
Sometimes they don’t match your expectation. Keep your disappointments to yourself.
They need to know they are loved every day:
With your words and actions treat them with respect and with love. No matter what, whether they do well or not, love them with no conditions. How you love them and treat them conveys they are lovable and valuable.
Listen to your child:
Have you ever taken time to listen to your children? When you listen to them, stop what you are doing. Turn around, and be with them. Give them undivided attention.
Look into their eyes as you speak to them. In case you are busy on the phone, you can tell them you will be right back.
To be continued..