Impact Your Child's Life - Key Concepts For Building Healthy Parent-Child Relationships
Parents must realize that today's world may be more challenging for youth than ever before
. A statement from Columbia University notes that one third of American adolescents say that drugs are the most important problem facing them today. Another sad reality is that teenagers can be killed by others who simply want their designer clothes. For example, a Los Angeles teenager was shot for his tennis shoes. Children are playing deadly games.As a parent, show your child that you care. Your interest will prevent them from trying to find attention elsewhere. There are four important concepts to emphasize in a health
Share:y relationship with your child: Listening, Identifying, Friendship, and Encouragment.
1. Listen to your child. On average, parents spend only eight minutes a day in meaningful dialogue with their children. Listening is an art. The word "listen" comes from the root word "list". So, it is important no only to hear what a child is telling you, but also take note of those things. Ask your child questions, and be prepared to deal with answers you may not like by giving teenagers the respect they deserve.
2. Identify with your child. Place yourself in situations your child may go through. Be observant of interests and issues other teenagers face. Talk to teenagers about the issues that face them. This can be done by simply asking a teenager what they are doing for the weekend or what is going on in their lives. People like to talk about themselves. So ask a few questions and watch them open up.
3. Form a friendship with your child. There is no greater bond than the love between a caring parent and a child. Many people feel that it is hard to bridge the generational gap with their children, however, the results yield a beneficial relationship where both learn. This can be accomplished by:Being honestSharing your mistakesPracticing the behavior you expectExpressing loveDeveloping mutual respectFinding an activity that you both enjoy and doing it together once a week4. Encourage your child. Remind your child how special they are with a compliment and a kind word. Shower them with hugs. Many people feel uncomfortable showing affection to their children because they never received it themselves. You should verbally affirm your child and encourage him or her to set goals. Allow them to make some mistakes and encourage them to try harder when they fail. Remember, your words can empower your child to succeed! Impact Your Child's Life - Key Concepts For Building Healthy Parent-Child RelationshipsBy: Rodney D. Walker, M.B.A.