CONNECTING WITH YOUR KIDS IN

MICRO-MOMENTS PART 2

SO HOW CAN YOU BUILD LOVE BRIDGES WITH YOUR CHILDREN?

• Wink at children, make funny faces, give them high fives or thumbs up – non-verbal messages of connection.
• Parents can give small symbols to hold onto in their absence like kisses in the child’s hands.
• Create a unique bedtime ritual… “I love you more than…”
• Send them rainbows when you are away.
• Create a small jar of captured kisses.
• Create an imaginary giant protector/guardian angel to watch over your child.
• Have a picture of you with your child in a locket or plastic sleeve they can keep in their bag.
• Record readable stories or bed time rituals on smart phones if you’re away.
• Take small bites out of their toast or a bite out of their sandwich.
• Leave notes or funny pictures in their lunch box or on the bathroom mirror.
• Create moments of lightness and laughter often.
• Hide special messages around the house when you go away.
• Spontaneously join them in drawing or colouring in.
• Join them on the couch randomly to watch their favourite show.
• Engage in spontaneous hugs, cuddles and tickles.

Children who feel loved through a strong heart connection will feel safer and more secure in their world – even after they have been disciplined or sanctioned for breaking boundaries or being mean and unkind. They will also be calmer and this allows them to behave better and learn better.

The more micro-moments of connection we add into our homes, the happier everyone will be. So step over the pile of washing, ignore the unanswered emails and go build some love bridges with your kids – it is never too late!

As an adolescent told me once: “I would prefer it if my parents opened their hearts more than their wallets.”

Have a great week

Chappy Cam