| | | | | want to keep this private (just between you and their |
| How well do we know our kids? That's a powerful | | | | teacher). Make sure and schedule regular |
| question in itself. You may be quick to answer and | | | | parent-teacher conferences to stay abreast on how |
| respond with "real well." But do you really know them? | | | | they are progressing in their studies and if there are |
| What are their inner most fears? Their interests? | | | | any conflicts that need your attention. These meetings |
| What type of friends do they have or prefer? Can | | | | are crucial for your child's learning capabilities. |
| you identify and connect with their best personality | | | | * Schedule a block of time with your child - If you have |
| traits? And most importantly, what are their specific | | | | more than one child, then schedule time with each one. |
| needs from you as a parent? | | | | Use this time to do something special with them, like |
| Sometimes we just get too busy with our jobs, | | | | going for lunch or to the park. Have a talk session. |
| household duties, and life in general (unintentionally of | | | | Topics can be school, friends, conflicts, or let them just |
| course), that we don't spend the time we should with | | | | talk to you, if they choose to. Also talk about future |
| our kids. And consequently, we sometimes fail to pick | | | | goals and interests. Offer to help with school projects |
| up on primary things or situations that may need | | | | and homework. Showing your child how special they |
| addressing. Staying connected with our kids as we | | | | are to you and how much they are loved is crucial. |
| should often times gets tossed aside. | | | | * Plan a family project - This could be a family tree, |
| We are all human and from time to time, we all fall | | | | recipe book, photo album, or other family crafting |
| short of giving our children the full attention they | | | | project. These projects don't have to be expensive. |
| deserve and need. Perhaps the concept of prioritizing | | | | Make these projects as fun as possible. A family blog |
| our time is often the solution. Your little ones should be | | | | may also be an interesting project. The idea is to get |
| your number one priority, or at least should strive to be. | | | | them involved in family oriented projects that will |
| If you find prioritizing your time and consistently staying | | | | encourage bonding and connecting. |
| connected with your kids challenging at times, I have | | | | * Family meal time - This time should be more than |
| some basic tips for you that may be helpful. | | | | sharing a family meal together. Take this time to just |
| Below are 5 prioritizing and connection tips that will | | | | talk to one another. Talk about the day, about |
| benefit both you and your children | | | | weekend plans, the night's activities, and so forth. Allow |
| * Read to them and ask questions - Read their | | | | each child or family member talk about anything they |
| favorite books to them, and then ask them questions. | | | | choose. By doing this, you are staying connected with |
| Such as; What did you like about the book? Ask them | | | | your children's lives and also with anything you feel |
| simple yes and no questions about the book. Ask them | | | | should be discussed. Above all, keep the conversation |
| what other books they might be interested in and | | | | upbeat and fun for all. |
| encourage them reading to you as well. This teaches | | | | Maybe we don't know our kids the way we think we |
| them reading and comprehension skills as well as | | | | do. Spend quality time with them. Take the time to |
| getting to know them better. | | | | genuinely focus on them. |
| * Meet with their teacher on a regular basis - You may | | | | |