With all the everyday responsibilities as a parent and provider sometimes parents forget some of the most important things when it comes to our child/ or children. Many assume because they have clean cloths, nice things, food in their bellies and a roof over their head that life is good. Here are a few tips and suggestions that will keep your relationship with your child healthy and long lasting.

Have a Family Night: A family night is a great way to spend quality time with your child.

• Have him/ her help with dinner. A child like anyone else likes to feel needed.
• A family game night or movie night is a great way to spend quality time with your child/ children.
• Reading a book as a family is a great way to not only bond with your child, but also an ideal way to advance your child’s reading skills.

Have an Open Door Policy: Communicate with your child! Let him/ her know that no matter what they can tell you anything. Just like there are pressures at work, there are also pressures and stresses at school. Always be understanding, what you may think is nothing may be everything to your child. Be compassionate to your child’s concerns.

Always Ask Questions about School/ and Activities: Just like you, children can have good days and bad days at school. Always ask your child/ children “How were your day?” They want to feel important. This also will let you know if there is something that may be going on at school such as bullying or other pressures that can be related to school and social acceptance.

Be Encouraging:  As we parent, we want our child/children to set realistic goals, but every child should know that having dreams and following their dreams is okay too. You should always be supportive and encourage your child to try new things and get involved in school activities; whether the activities be athletic or academic, being active promotes self esteem.