Children have an incredible capacity to learn. They’re like sponges in the formative years and they easily form memories that they cherish forever.

There are many things you can do in order to build loving ties that stand the test of time. It’s a great way to teach your children trust. When you nurture a positive relationship with your children, it’ll be far more likely that they’ll continue to build happy and healthy relationships as adults in the years ahead.

Here are some ways to forge loving ties with your children:

1. Show them your gratitude. You may feel gratitude for your children always, but it’s what you project to them that really counts. Ensure you verbally and physically show them that gratitude. When you do, they will receive the loving message that you care about them.

2. Demonstrate respect. Respect your children, just as you expect them to respect you. They will come to appreciate the saying, “treat people in the manner in which you would like to be treated”.

3. Love your children unconditionally. There will certainly be times when your children frustrate or disappoint or anger you, but make it clear to them that you still love them irrespective of anything they do. It doesn’t mean you condone their behavior, but it does mean that whenever they do the wrong thing, you still love them no matter what, you simply dont like what they are choosing to do at the time.

4. Make time for your children. It is too easy to become busy with your everyday life and end up doing what needs to be done for your children instead of making the time to actively participate in the activities they enjoy. Ask them what they’d like to do and get involved in their life. This is a great way to bond with your child and to really get to know them.

5. Encourage them. When they face a challenge, this is an opportunity for you to step up and assist. Be there to encourage them in the right direction without being too pushy. Provide them with words of encouragement and let them know how much you believe in their abilities.

6. Help them build confidence and independence. Always remind them that they can accomplish anything with a positive mindset. Encourage independence in your children so they can remain confident and stand on their own to feet, and learn to truly believe in themselves.

7. Listen to your children. They have many important lessons, ideas, and stories to share! When they know that you’re truly listening to them, they also know that you care and love them.

8. Make dinner together. Having meals together as a family is important because many times that’s the only time of day where everyone can be together. Rather than silence or making small talk, use the opportunity to share love and support and to talk about their day. Use this time once again to get to know them a little better, while teaching them the importance of this loving time that is set aside everyday in their lives.  Later in life, your children will cherish these wonderful family dinners.

9. Lock in family time. Establish regular opportunities dedicated to building memories with your family. Have each family member choose an activity to enjoy together. Laughing and having fun with one another will help to build ties that last forever.

When you use these tips to show your family how much you care, the feelings are more likely to become mutual.

Spend individual one on one time with each member of your family and get involved in each other’s lives so as to connect on a deeper level. It is these moments you children will carry with them to adulthood and pass on to their children.

By MaryAnn Roche

This entry was posted on Wednesday, February 24th, 2010 at 9:56 am and is filed under Relationships. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.