Top Tips Tuesday with Toni Barrett

Children Need Presence Not Only Presents

Material possessions should not be a replacement of physical interaction between parents and children. In an article entitled “Why good parenting matters” by Ian Boyne he discusses several reasons parenting is important and how effective parenting has a positive impact on children. It expresses that parenting is a crucial and impactful job that determines the path in which children choose to take in life. The article illuminates parenting as an essential job and if not done properly the consequences can be severe. Let’s discuss five tips that parents can practice in order to have a positive impact in the lives of their children which also accounts for children feeling their presence.

Pray with them- involving children in religious activities encourages them to perform better academically and non-academically. Praying with children provides a bond between you and them and ultimately allows them to create a bond with God. Encouraging children to pray whether they are experiencing trivial matters or not is important but praying with them during these times speaks volume.

Do chores together- teamwork makes the dream work, this statement has proven to be true over the years. Parents and children are like a team, thus involving them in the daily chores around the house builds a relationship while teaching them independency and responsibility. Children can use this opportunity to learn how parents were taught to do the chores they know to do so they can pass on this knowledge to their own family in the future.

Have a movie night- a night of laughter and enjoyment is good for the family. Hosting a family movie night is an ideal way of making children feel the presence of their parents. There, they can share their perspectives and possible outcomes of what they think the movie will be like and experience like emotions throughout the movie.

Assist with school/homework- sending children to school and providing them with stationery they need are good but does not suffice for the entire school experience. Assisting or collaborating to get school assignments/homework done can build a relationship between parents and children as they learn together. This also allows children to appreciate the time taken by their parents to support them in getting their work done.

Have family meeting- this family meeting requires no form of technology unless one person is away. It is a time to discuss issues children and parents may have or sharing things that are bothering both parties. Within this time parents are not allowed to get angry or use things children shared against them. This time can help to create an atmosphere of trust so that children will be not be afraid to talk to their parents. I know for sure this may be a hard tip due to our cultural view of parents but it can be done.

A child’s ability to learn and grow is dependent on the relationship parents have with their children. Children should be given gifts but gifts cannot be a replacement for the physical interaction. Parents should be constantly involved in the lives of their children, letting them know that they are there for them but most of all allowing them to feel their presence.

IG: @always_laugh