How to relate to your children

Your relationship with a child will go more smoothly if you show a little kindness.

Steps

1. Be nice to a child. step down a little and physically go to his or her level.
2. Be giving and kind. Don't scold or hit.
3. Listen. Really pay attention to what they have to say. Some of it will be silly. Some of it will be repetitive or less than sensible. Then, go with it. Joke and be silly, explain, answer their questions as best you can, or ask them some questions of your own to get them thinking.
4. Let them get away with a few things, as long as it won't cause too much trouble. This will make them think you're cool. Let them stay up late, or invite all kinds of friends over. Let them get into the chocolate, watch the big kid movies or a TV show that is on a little late.
5. Make time for kids. Get off your computer, and play some children's games like "Mother May I", "Red Light, Green Light", or even board games.
6. Read to them, or let them read to you. A good story is a great thing to share.
7. Or play pretend games like "house", or "doctor".
8. Get outside and keep kids active. When kids are getting some exercise and fresh air their behavior is better than if they are playing video games all the time. The best way to convince them to get outside is to announce "in half and hour we're all going outside, so you have a half hour to play video games" then in 10 minutes time, remind them again. Then when they have to get off there will be less likelihood of all the screaming and "I hate yous".
9. Encourage the children. Cheer them on with phrases such as "good job". Give high fives. This will get them excited and will make them feel appreciated.
10. Take children places. Playgrounds, libraries, amusement parks, rinks, lakes, movies, museums, anywhere where they can explore.
11. Go crazy! Dance, laugh, sing, shout, tell jokes, tell secrets, be a kid yourself!

Tips

• On rainy days, have indoor activities planned like board games, or make a tent inside, dance, dress up, or get soaked in the rain.
• On sunny days go outside, wander around and play tag, go swimming, rake leaves, go sledding, or skating, be fun!
• Be supportive to the child, when things go wrong don't freak out, children get upset when someone is angry at them. Stay calm, even though they lost your ring, or broke your favorite whatever. Use a firm voice, never scold. Help them when things go wrong. Hug them and hold them and tell them you love them.
• Surprise them once in awhile with a treat, not necessarily candy but maybe a new pet, or their favorite dinner, or take them to their favorite place but don't tell them until they see for themselves. Write notes in their lunch box, buy them a toy and give it to them when they get home.

Warnings

• Children heat up quickly when angry and take a few minutes before they love you to death again.