Catch Up with Your Kids on the Playground
Work and school are both important. However, work can demand a lot of your time while school can demand an incredible amount of attention from your children. It’s great if you’re the type of family that takes dinner as an opportunity to talk about how everyone’s day went, but dinner won’t be enough to really know what’s going on in your children’s lives.
When you do get some time off from work and the children get a little break from school, grab the chance to catch up. Take this time to let your children know that you can be their friend too. It’s okay to feel a little awkward, but these 2 tips should make it a fun learning experience for you and your children.
1. Have a sincere interest in their lives
Before you start working towards a “moment,” be sure that you have a genuine interest to get to know your child better. Prepare yourself for things that you want to hear, and for things that will surprise you. Rest assured that you’ll have a good dose of both.
You’re not doing this to find out things that you can correct, or to check if they’re doing the “right things.” You’re doing this to get to know your children on a deeper level.
2. Listen well before forming opinions
Your children will be more comfortable when you’re not stuck in a room, seated across each other. At the same time, you’ll lessen the awkwardness if there’s some movement between the talk. It’s a good idea to take a walk and go somewhere familiar, like the public playground. The rubbermulch jogging path should make it easier for you to keep up with the young ones, stretching your time together.
Keep in mind that you’re listening to get to know them better. Not to reprimand them, or guide them towards a direction that you personally prefer. If you can let it go (meaning, their decision doesn’t harm them or someone else), let it go.
