Connect With Your Child

Structure & Boundaries are very necessary when it comes to child behaviour which can be seen from studies in the field of Behaviour Analysis. However, something that Behaviour Analysts point out is not mentioned as much, is the importance & the immense benefits of parents having fun with their child also.

As much as rules & boundaries are needed to help your child with managing anger, & to reduce the likelihood of behaviour challenges such as tantrums, sibling rivalry, negative attention-seeking behaviour, etc. – a balance to all the rules & boundaries is also required as it is with everything in life. Behaviour Therapists highlight that if your entire parenting approach, only consists of telling your child what to do & what not to do, & just going through the mundane day to day routine, it won’t lead to a very enjoyable or memorable relationship.

Child Therapists recommend allowing yourself to relax around your child & to get in touch with your inner child, as it is something that all children love to see from an adult. When a child sees an adult act “silly”, or get down to their level, playing on the floor, participating in the child’s game, anything really that children don’t often see adults do, anything out of the ordinary is something that sticks in the child’s mind creating memories & a positive association with the adult. Children enjoy adults interacting with them in this way immensely – It softens any kind of barrier between you & makes you appear more approachable & open to your child.

Being adults, we often forget how to play or be childlike & it can feel awkward to begin with, but with practice it is something that provides invaluable connection with your child & combined with a healthy enforcement of rules & boundaries, it gives a lovely mix, whereby your child respects your authority but also enjoys your personality while also creating a strong bond & memories along the way.