A study at Harvard University shows that a loving parental relation is the strongest predictor of a child’s future success.
I recently reread the parenting book, “The Power of Showing Up” by Daniel Siegel & Tina Payne Bryson. They suggest that having positive connections with our kids are key factors in raising happy, fulfilled & successful kids.
The authors state that “It’s the parental presence that shapes who our kids become and how their brains get wired. One of the very best scientific predictors for how any child turns out – in terms of happiness, academic success, leadership skills, and meaningful relationships – is whether at least one adult in their life has consistently shown up for them”.
I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about the meaning of CONNECTION and how it manifests in our parenting. If we use the authors Dan Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson as our guide, it’s the quality of our presence that matters most.
It isn’t about the amount of TIME, ENERGY and MONEY but the simplicity of our presence.
And to be truly present, FREE of TECHNOLOGY; pure quality time.
Spending QUALITY TIME with your child doesn’t mean doing more educational activities. It means mindfully attending to your child’s needs. BEING PRESENT.
When we think in terms of parenting, often we make things more complex and feel that our gestures, interactions and activities should be grand. However, what a child really wants is “YOU”.
- Talk and Listen to Them
- Take an Interest in their Interests
- Invite Them Into Your World
- Find a New Hobby to Do Together
- Have Fun Together, but Remember You’re Their Parent First
The types of CONNECTION will change as your child grows, so the types of engagement must change to accomodate their new interests & developing personalites. We must evolve & adapt to our growing child.
Your child’s healthy development begins with you. How are you going to CONNECT with your child today? Reply to this email, I’d love to hear from you.
