Think you know your child well?

ElevatEd
parenting
August 19, 2024

Parents often take pride in thinking that they know their children well. From their favorite toys to their favorite chips, their dream car, their ambitions, their talents, their favorite food, their favorite K-pop band. The bond that is shared between parents and their children is always special. It is rightly said that there is no such bond as the bond between a child and the parent.

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But as parents, we often get surprised when we get to know something new about our kids, leaving us wondering as to how well we know our kids. It’s true that as parents we claim to know almost everything about our children just like we know our own selves, but it also needs to be understood that despite the kids being yours, they still bring their own unique, individual traits and characteristics making them exclusive and special in their own way. So how well do we understand them in the true sense? How well do we know them? Do we know their inner world? How to figure out if something is going on with my kid?

If you ever felt asking yourself these questions, you are not alone. Every parent has been there once, and some still ask themselves the same questions. This blog explores the depths of the parent-child bond, and parents’ knowledge concerning their kid, additionally offering tips and insights to help connect with your child on a deeper level and not just above the surface.

Tips on how to know your child better-

In this section, we shall dwell deep into tips and tricks that would help us, as parents to navigate our child’s feelings in a much better and systematic way, so we can be their bedrock support system, on which they can always lean on and expect to be understood.

1) Active listening –

As a parent, pay full attention to your kid, when they talk to you. Make eye contact, avoid interrupting them, and show interest in what they’re saying. Help them feel valued and understood by showing respect.

2) Spend quality time together-

Engage in activities that your child enjoys. From playing outdoors to playing board games, reading books, or simply cuddling can help your child feel safe and comfortable around you, which would eventually help them open up whenever they feel the need to.

3) Ask open-ended questions-

As a parent, we can change our approach from asking yes, or no questions to more open-ended questions.

For example- instead of saying “Did you have a good day”, we can say “Did anything exciting happen to you today”? This can help the kid open up and share their feelings.

4) Observe their behavior and pattern-

Pay close attention to how your child behaves in different situations, such as in happiness, sadness, anger, etc. Notice their reactions, body language, and their voice tonality when interacting with others.

5) Encourage their interests-

Support your kid’s hobbies and interests, even if that is not what you have set for them. Keep in mind that they are their own unique individuals. This will reflect that you respect them as an individual and are always there to support them through thick and thin.

6) Create a safe space for Communication –

Create an environment where your kid feels safe to share their problems and challenges with you. Offer empathy rather than dismissing their issues and concerns.

7) Play an active role in their education-

Attend parent-teacher meetings, show up for their events and competitions, cheer them up when they score low, and help them with their homework. This helps them be understood academically as well, thus providing them with opportunity and space to grow.

8) Patience is the key –

Children go through various experiences and challenges throughout their lives. To help your child emerge from it, patience is the key.

9) Respect their Privacy -

As much as it is important to be involved in your kid’s life, it is equally important to respect their privacy. This ensures a healthy and nontoxic relationship between a parent and the kid.

10) Share your own experiences -

While there significantly remains a generation gap of one or two with your kid, sharing your experiences would help create a stronger bond by being relatable and having similar experiences if not the same between you and your kid.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

1) Why is it important to know my child well?

Ans) Understanding your child helps in nurturing their emotional and psychological development, building trust, and fostering a strong parent-child relationship.

2) How can I improve my understanding of my child?

Ans) Spend quality time together, actively listen to them, observe their behavior and reactions, and engage in open and honest conversations.

3) What are some activities to help me know my child better?

Ans) Family game nights, shared hobbies, one-on-one outings, and participating in their favorite activities.

4) What should I do if my child doesn't want to share their feelings?

Ans) Respect their space, encourage small talk about everyday things, and gradually build up to more personal topics. Reassure them that you're there for them whenever they're ready.

5) How can I stay connected with my child as they grow older?

Ans) Adapt to their changing interests, keep up with their social life, respect their need for independence, and maintain regular, meaningful conversations.

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