| What do children want? They want time with their
parents. During that time, they want their parents' undivided
attention. They want their parents to listen to them in a
respectful way, without correcting them. Parents are the most
important people in their children's lives. Our children are the
most important people in our lives.
We must work hard to see that our children get the time
they need with us. Ideally, each child needs one-on-one time with
each parent. For the oldest child, this time can be scheduled
after the other children are asleep. For younger children, perhaps
there is a time when siblings are involved in an outside activity
or are visiting friends or relatives.
It might be easier to give your child undivided attention if
you and she leave the house. Taking a walk together can be helpful
and enjoyable. Or, perhaps you can take your child to a restaurant
or a park. Use this time to focus on the child. Do not talk about
problems. Talk to the child about the child. Tell your child
"this is our special time together." Show your child
that this time is very important to you.
If it seems like there is nothing to talk about, ask your child
what were the best and worst things that happened that day/week,
or what he dreamed about the previous night. Let your child know
that you are interested in his thoughts and feelings. During this
special time together, do not criticize in any way. Do not
correct your child. Listen, and show interest in whatever
comes up in conversation. Talk about whatever your child
wants to talk about.
Don't be afraid to reveal information about yourself. Was there
a time during your childhood when you made a mistake? Tell your
child about it, and tell him how it made you feel. Did you quarrel
with your best friend when you were a child? Tell your child about
it. What happened to cause the disagreement? What did you do to
solve the problem? Your child might be able to realize that
"mom/dad really was a kid once."
This special time will help you to form a close relationship
with your child. Setting this time aside for your child will tell
him that he is important to you. If he knows that you care
for him and accept him as an individual, he will learn to trust
you, and if a problem arises, he is more likely to bring it to
you.
Taking this special time to be with your child does not mean
that his entire need to be heard has been taken care of. Whenever
your child talks to you about something, try to give him your
undivided attention. If possible, stop what you are doing and look
directly into his eyes (research has shown that the more eye
contact a child receives from others, the more often he gives this
type of focused attention to others). If it is not possible for
you to stop when asked for your attention, ask your child to wait
until you are finished, and then listen with undivided attention
and respect.
If you cultivate your relationship with your child by listening
to her and talking with her, you help to keep the lines of
communication open between you. Your child will feel loved and
special to you if you give her your time and attention. When the
lines of communication between parent and child are open, the
child is more likely to come to you with a problem or concern.
When I hear about a child who was sexually abused for years and
did not tell his/her parents, I wonder if things might have been
different if this parent and child had had regular times together
just to talk in a trusting way.
When you notice that something is bothering your child, ask him
if he wants to talk about it. He may say, "you won't
understand." One answer might be "I'd like to
understand. When you're ready to talk about it, I'll be here to
listen." If your child does not respond, do not pressure him
to talk about it. Just let him know that you are available.
Try to make opportunities to talk with your child. Look for
these opportunities. If you are on your way home from an errand
with one of your children, take this time to talk. Whenever
possible, ask your child's opinion or ask him to tell you
something you don't know. A little boy I once knew was an expert
on cars and motorcycles. One time he saw a certain motorcycle and
said "Wow!" I asked him to tell me the name of it, and
any other information he knew about it. His face lit up and he
happily told me all that he knew. My 12-year-old daughter is an
expert on shampoos and conditioners. The other day I asked her
what type of conditioner I might purchase to moisturize my dry
hair. She was surprised to hear her mom ask for advice and she was
happy to show me what kind she thought would work best. She was
pleased when I purchased it, and happy to hear my opinion after I
used it.
Those of us who are fortunate to be parents have many demands
on our time and energy. It may take a real effort to find the time
to talk to and listen to our children. I do not believe anyone has
ever regretted spending time with and listening to his or her
children. Indeed, a deep regret expressed by many seniors is that
they wish they had spent more time with their children when they
had the chance.
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