Building a healthy bond with your older child while maintaining respect is a rewarding and challenging task. You want to show them that you care about them, but also that you expect them to follow your rules and values. Here are some tips to help you achieve this balance and build a stronger relationship with your child:
Discipline
Discipline is not simply enacting consequences. Focus on your own discipline first, and then expecting your child to follow suit. Enacting consistent schedules, expectations for your child to follow, and reasonable discipline allow children to develop a respectful and lasting bond with their parents. Don’t shortcut parenting or expect them to drop and give you 20 on command if you have not earned their respect.
Spend Quality Time with them
Find out what they enjoy doing and join them in their hobbies, interests, or passions. Show them that you are interested in their lives and that you believe in them. Before you know it they will be on their own. Don’t let disinterest come between you and your child.
Listen
Sometimes, your older child may just need emotional support. Be attentive, empathetic, and supportive. Don’t constantly nag and criticize. Ask open-ended questions and encourage them to share their feelings.
Give them Some Privacy
As your child grows older, they may want more space and independence. Don’t barge in on them constantly. Trust them to make good decisions and respect their boundaries. Limiting their access to online activities and social media is the best way to ensure they do not come across dangerous materials or websites.
Pray With Them
Prayer is a powerful way to edify and uplift your child using God’s Word. Pray together as a family and individually for your child’s needs, challenges, and ask God to direct their path. Find groups, churches, or other Christian organizations where your child can find support. Remember to communicate with your child so you can find out if they feel comfortable in the environment. It is your job to raise your child, not the church’s. These resources are great as long as you are primarily involved. Follow your gut and make adjustments as needed.
Rooted in God’s Word
“We love because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:19 NIV) Here is Triangle Learning Center, we believe that our love can only grow to its true potential with the love of Christ on the inside of us. Because we can only do so much as individuals, it is important to lay our cares and worries on him (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). If you have never decided to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, we invite you to give us a call at 919-846-0470, or visit us at our parent church, Triangle Christian Center.
More Information
For more help with parenting or childcare in Raleigh, NC visit our site. We would also love to pray with you at www.trianglechristiancenter.com. Fill out the email form at the bottom of the Triangle Christian Centers website for prayer requests.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+13%3A4&version=NIV
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+4%3A8&version=NIV
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+4%3A19&version=NIV
How to Build a Rock Solid Parent Child Relationship (selfsufficientkids.com)
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/family-dynamics/sibling-relationships
https://www.verywellfamily.com/habits-that-will-strengthen-your-parent-child-bond-620063