Cambridge SDA Church

BUILDING STRONG RELATIONSHIPS

BUILDING STRONG RELATIONSHIPS 
 by Pastor Lem Niere

“My child, when the Lord corrects you, pay close attention and take it as a warning. The Lord corrects those He loves, as parents correct a child of whom they are proud” Proverbs 3:11-12
[Good News Translation]

 Building strong relationships between parents and children is crucial for healthy families. Here are ten strategies that we, as parents, can implement to strengthen these bonds. If you are a grandparent, sharing this to your married children may help them deal with your grandchildren.

 

  1. Open Communication. We prioritise open and honest communication with our children, creating a safe space for them to express their thoughts, feelings, and concerns without fear of judgment or criticism (Ponciano et al., 2019).
     
  2. Quality Time Together. We make a conscious effort to spend quality time with our children, engaging in activities that they enjoy and showing genuine interest in their lives. Often, quality time means investing on quantity time with them (Blair & Umberson, 2017).
     
  3. Active Listening. We actively listen to our children, giving them our full attention and validating their experiences, which helps to foster trust and understanding (McLeod, 2017).
     
  4. Setting Boundaries with Respect. We set clear and consistent boundaries with our children, ensuring that they understand the rules and consequences while also respecting their autonomy and individuality (Simons & Conger, 2007).
     
  5. Positive Reinforcement. We use positive reinforcement to acknowledge and encourage our children’s efforts and achievements, boosting their self-esteem and motivation (Gershoff, 2013).
     
  6. Empathy and Understanding. We strive to empathize with our children’s perspectives and experiences, showing understanding and compassion even during challenging situations (Eisenberg et al., 2016).
     
  7. Leading by Example. We model positive behaviours and values for our children, demonstrating respect, empathy, and resilience in our own actions and interactions (Bandura, 1977).
     
  8. Quality Family Rituals. We establish meaningful family rituals and traditions, such as weekly game nights or holiday celebrations, to strengthen our family bonds and create memories. Don’t forget the family altar and church going (Fiese et all, 2002).
     
  9. Conflict Resolution Skills. We teach our children healthy conflict resolution skills, emphasizing the importance of listening, compromise, and finding mutually beneficial solutions (Katz & Rohner, 2004).
     
  10. Unconditional Love and Support. Above all, we show our children unconditional love and support, reassuring them that they are valued and cherished members of our family, no matter what (Rohner, 2004).