08/11/2023
Parenting comes with numerous challenges, no matter how old your kids are. But one thing every parent struggles with at one time or another is connecting with their kids. Between sports practices, activites, school, homework, and time with friends, it can sometimes seem as though we are missing our kids, like ships passing in the night. And while we can't always control our schedule, one thing we can change is the way that we approach our time with our kids, by choosing to be fully present when we're with them.
Here are three ways to become a more present parent:
1. Silence the distractions | It's no surprise that we are a society full of pings, rings, and bright, shiny distractions. Take your phone out of the equation. Remove the television. Take away screen time in the evenings and choose to have everyone fully present and sitting down at the dinner table together. This is where questions can be asked, vulnerability can be shared, and families can grow closer together.
2. Practice rhythms | From a rotation of meals (Taco Tuesday, Sauce Sunday) to evening routines (eat, shower, clean up, worship dance party/reading together) to weekly game nights or family fun day activities, a sense of routine and consistency in your home will take decision-making off of your mind and create continuity for your children. And more mental bandwidth for you means more attention you can bring to connection points with your kids!
3. Engage in their interests | When your kids open up to you and share what they're loving or hating (like when they share their highs and lows at the dinner table!), take active interest in it and ask follow-up questions (or participate!). Seek to better understand the "why" behind the "what" so that they feel heard and seen, and you feel connected. Practice their sports with them, play their favorite board or video game with them, or have a dance party or karaoke to their current favorite jam.
Connection with people kids, friends, whomever, promotes positive mental health and fights against loneliness.
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