If your typical morning is spent rushing around to ensure your kids eat their breakfast and you’re ready for work, there may not be much chance for conversation. A breakdown in communication can have a knock-on effect on your kids, making them feel reluctant to express themselves in the one place they should feel the most comfortable.
Becoming a strong family unit and developing a bulletproof bond with your children is important, so here are five steps to better family communication.
Allocate Family Time
As parents, it’s normal to be rushed off your feet on a day-to-day basis. However, if you’re finding that you’re not having enough time to spend with your kids, it’s time to change your routine. No matter how many hours you do in the office, you should always make space for your children. Allocating family time will give you all something to look forward to. There are lots of things you can do such as watching a film together or playing games.
Eat Together
You may be surprised at just how many families don’t sit down to eat meals together. If you and your partners’ schedules don’t correlate, you may find you’re eating at different times to your kids. If you’re now working at home due to COVID-19, it’s the best opportunity to set aside mealtimes where you can come together as a family. This will be another thing for your kids to look forward to.
Have One-on-One Time
Your child’s health and wellbeing should be top of your list, which is why it’s just as important to have one-on-one time, as it is with the family. If you have more than one child, blocking off some time to speak, just the two of you, can be a great way to improve communication. Whether it’s tucking them into bed or taking them out for the day, your child will benefit enormously from having special time with you.
Listen to Your Kids
If you’ve noticed a change in your child’s behavior, it’s your job as a parent to know the signs and be there to listen to their worries and fears. Whether they’re anxious about the coronavirus pandemic, having a problem at school, or don’t feel confident in their abilities, you need to show that you’re always present and there for your kids. Children should never bottle up their emotions, as this can come back to hurt them, especially as they develop.
Seek Help
There may come a time where you believe professional help is needed to strengthen your family’s dynamic. You can consider Saint Paul family therapy, which will serve as a good opportunity to sit down as a unit with a therapist and discuss the latest goings-on in your lives and what could be changed to enhance relationships. You should never feel embarrassed about seeking help, especially if you’re worried about your children.
It will take time and dedication for improving communication lines in your family. But, as you begin practicing the methods listed above, your relationships will grow stronger both with your kids and your partner.