Parenting can be super tough at times and as much as we try our best, we sometimes end up fighting with our children which can deteriorate things in the home. The good news is that we can always find ways to show our children that we care and rebuild the relationship.

DEMONSTRATE RESPECT – To establish mutual respect in the family, we must first demonstrate respect for our child. Lots of problems between people come from a lack of mutual respect. Minimize negative talk and try to discuss problems with your child when the atmosphere is friendly and not when we are upset or angry.

PROVIDE ENCOURAGEMENT – Encouragement is about focusing on the positive qualities of others and letting them know you recognize those qualities.

“I love your sense of humour. You crack me up!”

“I appreciated your help with dinner tonight”

“I like how you share your toys with your sister.”

Encouragement focuses on strengths and contributions and views mistakes as opportunities to learn, which results in children feeling a sense of accomplishment and a sense of self-respect.

TAKE TIME FOR TRAINING – This involves teaching children how to do things for themselves. Learning how to become self-reliant and self-sufficient helps develop their independence. Teaching children to do things for others teaches them how to be cooperative and contributing members of society.

SPEND TIME TOGETHER – Spending time together is the best way to build a positive relationship with your child.  When we ask children what makes them happy, their answer is spending time playing with their family. Having shared experiences, shared memories, shared laughter will ultimately bring you and your child closer.

COMMUNICATE LOVE – The qualities needed to communicate love is mutual respect, spending time together and being encouraging.  You can also show them that you love them with

your body language, your tone of voice and what you say to them.

Communicating love is letting children know:

I BELIEVE IN YOU

I TRUST YOU

I KNOW YOU CAN HANDLE THIS

YOU ARE LISTENED TO, CARED FOR AND VERY IMPORTANT TO ME

I LOVE YOU AND I AM HERE TO SUPPORT YOU

Credit: Wes Wingett (Handout) – 5 Ways to Rebuild Your Relationship. ONSAP Annual Conference