A Great Idea …
“When parents take time to do things with children individually, it can make a big difference in their lives. The key to a successful one-on-one is that parent and child do something together that the child enjoys (and the parent doesn’t hate). One child may like crafts, another may like biking. Each child is different. Taking time with children in enjoyable activities builds memories and strengthens relationships.” (Professor of Family Life, H. Wallace Goddard in the program, The Parenting Journey)
In Other Words …
Sometimes we have preconceived notions about the best ways to show love to our children. The problem is that they may not value what we do. One-on-one’s only work well when we’re doing things that they value-things that show them how important they and their interests are to us.
How This Applies to You …
What does your child like to do? Find an activity that you can do with each of your children in the next day or two. Have fun together!
To Find Out More …
For more great ideas (or to share your ideas), visit our Navigating Life’s Journey blog.
For an excellent (and free!) program on parenting, see The Parenting Journey at www.arfamilies.org and, if you have children less than 6 years of age, check out See the World Through My Eyes.
For more in-depth reading, we recommend Between Parent and Child by Haim Ginott or Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child by John Gottman.
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