The older you get, the more situations happen to you, when you realize that it’s often the little things that can make a huge difference. For example, barely noticeable gestures not only affect how one interacts with colleagues or friends but also the relationship between parents and their children.
But even unconscious negative behavior, which we ourselves often attach little weight to, can be misinterpreted by the smallest in the family and thus lead to misunderstandings.
In the worst case, a child does not feel loved or taken too seriously. Therefore, you should be careful to avoid the following mistakes when dealing with your children.
1.) Not enough physical affection
Even if you have the impression that the child is self-sufficient and does not need so many “cuddles”, you can be wrong. Especially in stressful situations or when parting, caresses are enormously important. These strengthen the social and emotional development of the child. In addition, cuddling or kissing reduces anxiety and stress and gives the child a sense of security.
2.) You interrupt a narrative
Just as you do not want to be interrupted when you talk to another adult, it is also rude to interrupt your child when it’s telling a story. It may quickly feel misunderstood or less loved. It is better to let the child finish and then express his opinion or ask a question. Using your example, the child also learns to respect others and have them talk.
3.) Lack of eye contact
Especially when children talk about their experiences of the day, they should be in direct eye contact with them. This way, the child knows that it has your full attention. This is also important for the adult, so he gets everything and no information is lost.
4.) smartphone in hand
Similar to the lack of eye contact, the distraction of a smartphone, PC, etc. also affects the relationship with the child. When you’re with your kids, the focus should be on them and you should not be distracted by your phone. Especially in the first hour after the children have come from school or kindergarten, you should use them to listen to them and thus strengthen their relationship with them.
5.) Lack of discipline
As well as lack of affection, the opposite can be bad for the development of the child. Discipline and obedience are important to the upbringing of the child and, even if the words are very strict, have nothing to do with (physical) punishment or punishment. It simply means that rules and possible consequences are a basis for well-balanced education. Clear rules and daily routines, such as brushing your teeth daily or having dinner together, help the child and show him (subconsciously) that it is valued and cared for.
6.) Stressful evenings
In addition, every day should be planned and run relatively equally. Because especially at a young age, children need an everyday routine, otherwise it can cause a sensory overload. So you should not plan for every day a trip or meeting with friends but spend the evening often at home with the family. Regulated sleeping and eating times bring, for example, a good structure in the everyday life of the child.
7.) Hardly a smile
A small but very important gesture that many parents forget about stressful everyday life is to smile at their child. Sometimes it does not take many words, but a hearty grin to convey to the offspring that he is loved and shows that he likes to be around. In addition, we not only make our children happy but also ourselves when we smile.
Of course, it is difficult to pay attention to all these things, especially in stressful times. However, you should always remember these points and show your children that you love them.
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