Four Questions to Build a Deeper Relationship With Your Child
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Four Questions to Build a Deeper Relationship With Your Child
Be the Best Mentor and Guide for Your Children
Are Your Kids Your Friends?
Have you ever heard people say, “You shouldn’t be your child’s friend”? Or a parent saying to their child, “I’m not your friend, I’m your parent.”
Whenever I hear this, I always think, “Why?” All four of my kids are my best friends! To me, there is nothing greater in this world than the deep, meaningful, and connected friendships you can create with your children.
These friendships have helped us build open, honest communication, trust, and mutual respect. And that has allowed me to be the best mentor and guide that I can be to them. Which is exactly what we, as their parents, are meant to guide them to become the happiest, most fulfilled humans.
Being a friend doesn’t mean allowing them to do whatever they want. To me, it means connecting with them in a positive way where they feel valued, understood, and loved. This strengthens our bonds and creates a safe space where they can be themselves and openly share their thoughts and feelings.
Honestly, one of my biggest goals as a parent always comes back to helping my kids discover their purpose and supporting them in sharing their gifts with the world. Just like a friend would. When you share your dreams and goals with a friend, they cheer you on, listen, and are interested in what you’re doing. It’s the same with your kids. And when I do this, I see my kids are happier, more fulfilled, and confident.
It’s so important to encourage your children to do things like tap into how they’re feeling, acknowledge things that are working and not working for them, and express their emotions. And if we want to raise kids who know how to create happiness within themselves, there are ways to do that without feeling like you have to be that authoritarian parent who can’t be friends with your kids.
So, if you’re looking to:
- Nurture kids who find their own happiness and understand their purpose
- Have a strong relationship with your children
- Be a parent your child trusts and openly communicates with
Then I’m here to help you light up the way! You’ve got this; let’s go!
Trust Me, These Questions Will Transform Your Parenting
Think about the last time you caught up with a friend. You probably asked each other meaningful questions, shared important updates, and offered support. That’s what good friends do—they listen, ask questions, and show they care.
When was the last time you did that with your child? Even at a young age, this is so important.
And, did you know that asking your kids thoughtful questions can significantly boost your relationship with them? According to research published in the Journal of Family Psychology, open-ended conversations with your children strengthen your bond with them. And, while this study focuses on teens, I firmly believe these practices are just as beneficial for younger kids (I have four kids of my own that are proof of that). By asking these questions, you create a safe space for your kids to express their feelings, thoughts, and needs, which builds a deep, trusting relationship.
Here are four questions to ask your child that will build a deeper relationship and help you become the best guide and mentor for them:
- How am I doing as your parent?
- Can I support you more?
- Do you have any feedback for me to help me be a better parent?
- Am I supporting you in ways that make you feel good?
These questions show your kids that:
- Their opinions matter
- You are committed to being the best parent you can be
- They deserve to feel heard and respected
One of the most important things you need to know as a parent is that if you want a strong relationship with your kids, you must be willing to open your heart, come to your child on a human-to-human level, ask vulnerable questions, and truly listen to what they have to say. Trust me, it’ll change your life.
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