5 Ways To Connect With Your Child
Connecting with your child is so important and can also be difficult with busy schedules.
An important part of children’s mental health and wellbeing is their connection (or “attachment”) to their parents, caregivers, or guardians. Having one safe person that they can trust and go to on a hard day can positively impact their resiliency. Here are five ways to connect with your child in small pockets of time throughout the day:
Rose, Bud, and Thorn
Ask your child to share something good from their day or week (Rose), something bad (Thorn), and something they are looking forward to (Bud). Bonus points for sharing your Rose, Bud, and Thorn with them as well. Make sure it is in an age & relationship appropriate way: “My rose was getting to pick you up from school, my thorn was having a difficult day at work, and my bud is going to the mountains with you this weekend!” Rather than something like “I had a horrible day at work. My boss kept asking for things, etc.” Sharing your Rose, Bud, and Thorn can also be a great way to connect with them about what you like about your child or what you enjoy doing with them.
Dance Parties
Everyone has a chance to choose a song and dance around the room together. This can be a great way to be silly and laugh together.
Make a Meal or Bake Together
Work together to choose a meal to make together. This can be with one child at a time or the family as a whole. It can be something easy like putting toppings on a pizza, or learning to make a new dish, like Pad Thai.
Play or Invent a Game
It can be a card or board game. It can be a simple game like naming their favorite things, animals, or things around the room from A-Z. Or you can create a game together with whatever items you have around the house.
Conversation Cards
Last, but certainly not least, are conversation cards. It is a great way to ask questions that you normally wouldn’t think of. Choose one or a few cards to discuss at dinner or before bedtime. Here are two decks of cards available online:
Here at Atlanta Wellness Collective, we want to help. For support, contact us or request an appointment online.
Disclaimer: This blog is not intended to substitute professional therapeutic advice. Talk with your healthcare provider about your health concerns and before starting or stopping therapies. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct professional advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
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