#1 Hold Time Together Dear
Mark game nights or other family activities on your calendar so that everyone can look forward to enjoying time together. With cold winter weather and COVID-19 restrictions, use this extra time at home to play and connect as a family. Also be sure to carve out one-on-one time with each of your children regularly to do something they enjoy. Turn off cellphones, tablets and other media devices during these special times
#2 Have Heart-to-Heart Conversations
Ask your child “How was your day?” and listen to the answer. If they tell you about a challenge they are facing, let them finish the story before helping solve the problem. Many kids are having a tough time being cut off from seeing friends in person as much during the pandemic, while facing new challenges such as virtual learning. If you see signs of anxiety or depression talk with your pediatrician.
#3 Share the Love of Reading
Start reading to your child beginning in infancy. Many studies show that reading together strengthens parent-child bonds and promotes positive parenting. Plus, when you read to or with your child, you help them build a foundation for success in school, which is linked to long-term wellness.
#4 Think Hugs First
When your child is angry, grouchy or in a bad mood, give a quick hug, cuddle, pat, secret nod or other sign of affection. Then, consider talking with them about the event when they’re feeling better.
#5 Discipline With Love
Use positive, non-violent discipline. Harsh physical and verbal punishments don’t work and can damage long-term physical and mental health. From an early age, explain clear and consistent rules that your children can understand. Give praise when they follow them—not just punishment when they don’t. Calmly explain consequences and follow through right away when rules are broken.
#6 Choose Words with Care
Use plenty of positive and encouraging words when talking with your child. Model consideration and gratitude by saying “please” and “thank you.” Skip the sarcasm, mockery and put-downs, even if teasing. Children often don’t understand your purpose. Even if they do, these messages can harm self-esteem and create negative ways of talking and connecting with each other.
#7 Let Them Know You’re Listening
Respond promptly and lovingly to your child’s physical and emotional needs. Be available to listen when your child wants to talk, even if it’s not the best time for you.
#8 Forgive Mistakes, Including Your Own
If you lose your cool and react harshly to your child, apologize and explain how you will handle the situation in the future. Be sure to keep your promise. Also forgive yourself. No one, including the parent, is perfect. Understanding how to forgive is important for your child to accept their own mistakes as well, and build confidence and resilience.
#9 Cook & Eat Together
One of the best ways to teach your children about good food choices and enjoy each other’s company is to cook together. Involve them in the entire process, from planning the menus to shopping for ingredients to preparing and serving the meal. Family meals are a great opportunity to talk and connect. Put away any electronic devices, including your own phone.
#10 Foster Friendships
Help your child develop positive relationships with friends, siblings and members of the community. Teach them about the value of kindness. Encourage your child to be involved in activities that require teamwork, such as sports. Get to know your child’s friends and talk about responsible and respectful relationships.
#11 Care for a Pet
Consider adopting a pet if possible. Having a pet can help make some children, especially those with chronic illnesses and disabilities, feel better by increasing their physical activity, enhancing their overall positive feelings, and offering another way to connect with someone they care about.
#12 Embrace Health & Safety
Show how much you care by taking your children to the doctor regularly for well-child care visits. Get them caught up on recommended immunizations to protect them against infectious diseases. Teach them how to be safe from injuries, provide a healthy and nutritious diet, and encourage good amounts of sleep and exercise to help them grow healthy and strong. A good place to start is by using seat belts or car seats every time you are in a vehicle.
#13 Continue to Show Affection & Attention
Remember, all children want their parent’s attention, no matter their age. Make time every day to talk. Young people are more likely to make healthy choices if they stay connected with family members.
#14 3 Words to Share Without Limit
Don’t forget to say “I love you” to your children on February 14—and many more times for the rest of their lives.
––
- Source: American Academy of Pediatrics (Copyright © 2020). The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
