Build A Relationship That Will Allow Your Kids To Tell You Anything

BUILD A RELATIONSHIP THAT WILL ALLOW YOUR KIDS TO TELL YOU ANYTHING As seen on KSEE Channel 24 (Fresno, CA) Central Valley Today on December 18, 2007
	Build a relationship with your kids that will allow them to tell you anything. Are their any behaviors that parents can use to build on and continue a positive relationship with their kids? Be non-judgmental. Don’t jump to conclusions. Be sure you have all the facts before making a judgment on anything. Be available. Be firm and fair. Know when you say no, you should have a good reason. When you say yes, let them enjoy it, don’t say things that take away the connection. Hugs, smiles and ‘I love you(s)’ go a really long way. What kind of a mindset or understanding do parents need to develop or maintain a close relationship with their kids? Kids look to parents to make sense of everything that happens to them good and bad. Kids want direction and to know that someone cares about what happens to them. Remember you are a Parent, not a Dictator or Warden. Remember that Parents Are A Kids’ FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE! A Parent should think of themselves as their kids’ very best friend. Make it fun or at least pleasant. Even when you don’t feel that way. What are some of the first steps a parent can take towards building this positive kind of relationship? Plan one-on-one time on a regular on-going basis – preferably weekly. Plan family group time on a regular on-going basis- preferably weekly. Let the family know they are more important than any other activity. Tell them they can tell you anything and it will be ok. Let them know you trust them. What should parents talk about in these family get togethers? What personal safety issues or other issues the kids are concerned about. Address and help them come up with a plan for resolution. Listen to, and implement their ideas when possible. What do we want our kids to have a clear understanding of, when all is said and done? Their feelings and ideas matter. They are important and loved unconditionally. They can tell you anything and its ok. You are there to help and champion them if need be. You will do everything you can to protect them.

BUILD A RELATIONSHIP THAT WILL ALLOW
YOUR KIDS TO TELL YOU ANYTHING
As seen on KSEE Channel 24 (Fresno, CA) Central Valley Today on December 18, 2007

Build a relationship with your kids that will allow them to tell you anything.

Are their any behaviors that parents can use to build on and continue a positive relationship with their kids?

Be non-judgmental. Don’t jump to conclusions.
Be sure you have all the facts before making a judgment on anything.
Be available.
Be firm and fair.
Know when you say no, you should have a good reason.
When you say yes, let them enjoy it, don’t say things that take away the connection.
Hugs, smiles and ‘I love you(s)’ go a really long way.

What kind of a mindset or understanding do parents need to develop or maintain a close relationship with their kids?

Kids look to parents to make sense of everything that happens to them good and bad.
Kids want direction and to know that someone cares about what happens to them.
Remember you are a Parent, not a Dictator or Warden.
Remember that Parents Are A Kids’ FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE!
A Parent should think of themselves as their kids’ very best friend.
Make it fun or at least pleasant. Even when you don’t feel that way.

What are some of the first steps a parent can take towards building this positive kind of relationship?

Plan one-on-one time on a regular on-going basis – preferably weekly.
Plan family group time on a regular on-going basis- preferably weekly.
Let the family know they are more important than any other activity.
Tell them they can tell you anything and it will be ok. Let them know you trust them.

What should parents talk about in these family get togethers?

What personal safety issues or other issues the kids are concerned about.
Address and help them come up with a plan for resolution.
Listen to, and implement their ideas when possible.

What do we want our kids to have a clear understanding of, when all is said and done?

Their feelings and ideas matter.
They are important and loved unconditionally.
They can tell you anything and its ok.
You are there to help and champion them if need be.
You will do everything you can to protect them.