Parent Participation: 8 Ways To Learn More About Your Child

“At the end of the day, the most overwhelming key to a child’s success is the positive involvement of the parents.” -Jane D. Hull.  

To some parents, getting involved in their kid’s life comes naturally. They just understand when to be there for their kid and when to give them privacy. However, for some parents, it's not that easy. Especially for those who are first-time parents or have encountered some awkward situations with their child.  

Moreover, it could be hard for some parents to understand the thin line between getting involved and getting into personal space.  

But don’t worry! We’ve got your back!  

Keep reading this article to learn 8 ways to learn about your child without interfering with their personal space.  

●     Don’t Hesitate To Make Efforts.

The first step of learning about your kid is to make an effort. You have to show them that you do care about them. Obviously, it isn’t going to be easy. There will be days when you’ll come home tired or when you just don’t feel like doing anything at all. However, even on these days, you have to be there for your baby.  

Remember that you need to start small. It could be attending their sports event or helping them with math. These little efforts will contribute a lot between you and your child’s relationship. Plus, it’ll also ensure that your kids don’t shy away from asking for help.  

●     Set A Specific Time For Your Child

The next step is to spend one on one time with your kids. This way, it’ll be easier for you to create a balance between personal and professional life. Moreover, it’ll also provide your kids privacy. So, you both will learn to appreciate and respect each other's life. Needless to say, it’ll help make your bond stronger.  

Tip: If you generally are very busy due to a hectic work schedule, you can use weekends for your kids. For instance, you can go for Rodizio style dining on Saturdays. It’ll help you understand the likes and dislikes of your child. Plus, you’ll also get to spend some time outside of your regular environment. Which will be a great stress buster for everyone.  

●     Remember The Important Things Related To Your Kid

Reality check! Generally, the things which are important for the kids are not quite special for the parents. It is because parents are more involved in adult problems such as jobs, taxes, insurance, and whatnot. So, they tend to “unknowingly” neglect the things which are important for their kids.

Therefore, you must pay attention to what your kids talk about and what things are important to them. To make sure you don’t miss out on their special moments, you can set reminders. Believe it or not, but being there for your children will give them great moral support.  

However, if you are unable to participate for whatever reason, you should try to make up for it.  

●     Always Listen To Your Kid

Communication is the key to every relationship. It can help in resolving any misunderstandings and also make other people feel loved and appreciated. Therefore, no matter what your situation is or how tired you are, if your kid comes to you to talk, you must LISTEN.  

And, by listening, we mean to be attentive to what they say, especially if your kids don't express themselves much. Not to mention, you must learn to read between the lines. Teens are not always comfortable expressing what they honestly feel. So, you need to pay close attention to their actions, as well as words.  

Tip: NEVER judge your child for expressing their honest opinion or feeling. Instead, try to understand their perspective and be there for them.

●     Don’t Forget To Show Your Support.

Parents are the biggest support system for their children. Your support and gestures will give them encouragement to work on themselves and their dream. Moreover, being there for your child is the easiest way to become a crucial part of their life. Plus, it’ll improve your communication and bonding.  

Not to mention, having parental support is also good for a child's emotional and mental well-being. They won't hesitate to talk with you. And, because you listen and support them, they will also listen to your advice and work on improving themselves.  

●     Pay Equal Importance To Discipline

Giving your kids freedom and personal space is obviously important for their growth. However, adding discipline to your kids' life is also crucial for their growth and development. Yes, you read it right!  

To be supportive doesn’t mean that you can’t be strict. On the contrary, a little bit of strictness, such as waking up early, teaching punctuality and cleanliness, etc., is crucial. It will help them become a better version of themselves. Moreover, these habits will also help them in their adulthood phase.

Nonetheless, you must understand the fine line between healthy discipline and intrusion.  

●     Help Them With School Projects

Middle and high school are the time when your kids meet new friends and start to develop a personality of their own. However, it is also the time when it becomes challenging for parents to stay connected with their kids. Luckily, by helping them with their school projects, you can learn about their life.  

Working together will initiate conversations. And these conversations will help you know about your kids as well as their friends. Plus, regular help in school projects will also ensure that they are not taking studies for granted and thinking about their future as well.  

●     Never Laugh At Your Child

Last but not least, DON’T laugh at your child, especially in their teenage years. These years are very complicated for them, as they are already going through so many changes and adjustments simultaneously. So, instead of laughing at them for silly mistakes or their conversations, encourage them to be good human beings. It will make them feel good and also make your connection with them stronger.

To Sum It All Up!

These are some of the ways in which you’ll learn about your child. Moreover, it’ll also give them assurance that you support their dream and will always be there to listen. But, make sure you provide them with time and sometimes let them be. It’ll help create the balance, which will nurture your relationship.