How to connect with your kids
Tips from the pros
Raising kids can be a daunting challenge, but the folks at Powell River Child, Youth & Family Services Society are eager to help you meet that challenge. Here, they offer some tips from their areas of expertise.
Connecting with your baby or toddler
Colleen Mudry-Ross ¤ If you feel trapped inside on a rainy day, dress yourself and your toddler in rain clothes and boots and go for a rain walk. Step in puddles, float leaves, make a dam and name the sights, smells and textures.
Ann Kurtz ¤ Even before words, your baby is constantly communicating with you. Watch closely and listen carefully for their cues so you can encourage further communication.
Debbie van Dok ¤ Your baby is never too young for a book. Reading to your baby promotes literacy.
Deborah McIsaac ¤ While going about your day, talk to your baby. They love to hear your voice and this creates bonding.
Connecting with your child
Ron Koros ¤ Schedule daily quality time with your kids and keep your word. Kids appreciate one hour of devoted quality time much more than several hours of your time when you're distracted and thinking of other things.
Nadia Morrison ¤ When you feel like asking the regular, often unanswered question to your kid, talk about yourself instead--your own adventures, funny anecdotes, and dreams you've had. Your kid will see you as a person for a change.
Jane Brockington ¤ Eat dinner as a family. It is a perfect time to listen to your children and talk about things that are important to them.
Barb Woods ¤ Be someone they can believe in. Guide them, don't manage them.
Connecting with youth
Sandy Dunlop ¤ Most teenage behaviour shouldn't be taken too seriously. The teenage years are a stage of development, one they will grow out of. Separate the wonderful person from their bad or odd behaviour, and show them you are on their team.
Tracy Tunstall ¤ Please listen to ideas from youth--ask lots of questions! You will be surprised at how thoughtful and fair young people are when they're given a chance to make a contribution and participate in decision making.
Kyla Chadwick ¤ Identify a common area of interest or an activity that you and your youth enjoy. Spend time each week exploring your commonality.
Rick Berghauser ¤ Youth are constantly listening to what we do, although they appear to be tuning out what we say.
Leah King ¤ Arrange a lunch date for you and your youth.
And a few extras
Baby ¤ Keep your baby near as you go about your daily routines. Talk about what you are doing. Your baby will not yet understand your words, but will hear your voice and be bathed in language. This builds babies' brains.
Child ¤ It is great to connect with your child at bedtime with a story and a chat about the day.Child ¤ Sing, play, laugh, have fun and be silly with your child.
Youth ¤ It is easier to connect regularly with your teen by getting a hot chocolate and driving to a scenic spot. Play their music and let them talk about their life and anything else they want to share. Listen. Don't lecture.
