Resources for parents
Why are safe, stable, and nurturing relationships so important?
Kids need the skills and ability to form safe, stable, and nurturing relationships for their emotional development and mental health. Children learn to manage their feelings, trust others, and make friends when they feel safe, secure, and well connected with their parents and caregivers.
Check out this article for some great tips: Building blocks of healthy mental and emotional development opens in a new tab.
What does a healthy relationship with your child look like?
You know your relationship is strong when:
- Your child feels safe coming to you with questions or problems.
- You just try to listen when your child talks—and don’t interrupt or judge.
- You spend time together and enjoy each other’s company.
- You comfort your child when they’re upset.
- You set clear rules— but also explain why they matter.
Healthy relationships grow over time.
Easy ways to connect with your kids.
It makes kids happy to spend time with people they love. Even short moments of your undivided attention can make a big impact. Here are a few easy ideas:
- Schedule it. Schedule time together as a family each week (such as game or movie nights).
- Set aside 10 to 15 minutes every day for one-on-one time with each of your kids. Let your child lead the activity.
- Simple things build memories that last. Cook together, work in the garden or the yard, play sports, or go to the park. It doesn’t matter what you do—time together is what matters.
Children are more likely to open up and share their thoughts and feelings when they feel heard. To show your child you are listening:
- Make eye contact and put away distractions, like phones or tablets.
- Repeat back what they say to show you understand.
- Ask open-ended questions. Open-ended questions make it easier to have deeper conversations.
People get excited about events they can look forward to, especially kids. Make routines fun and add special traditions to your week. Routines and traditions build stability and memories that last.
- Spend time together and help your child create healthy routines at the same time, like reading a book together at bedtime.
- Make a new weekly tradition, such as pizza night or Sunday morning pancakes.
- Create meaningful family traditions to celebrate milestones, such as a good grade on a test or reaching a goal.
Kids need physical touch, words of affirmation, and emotional support to build a strong connection.
- Hug, high-five, or fist-bump your child often.
- Praise your child for effort, not just results.
- Try to be present and calm as your child learns how to deal with difficult emotions, like anger or frustration.
Kids’ interests change all the time. Get to know what your child likes or is interested in right now. Kids feel valued when you take an interest or want to learn about what they like.
- Try to go to their activities or events.
- Learn about their favorite music, shows, or games.
- Ask questions about their school day, friendships, and feelings.
Children often learn by example. Your child will learn how to build their own positive relationships if they can see what healthy communication, empathy, and respect look like. Ways to model healthy behavior include:
- Try to show patience during conflicts.
- Admit when you make a mistake—and apologize when you should.
- Express emotions in a calm and respectful way.
It’s not hard to connect with your child—but sometimes it does take intentional planning and effort when you are busy or under stress. One of the most important things is to try to be consistent. You can create a strong relationship with your child that lasts if you spend quality time together, practice active listening, and show love and encouragement. Remember, small moments of connection often leave the biggest impact.
How can you help children deal with divorce?
Divorce is hard for kids of any age. However, there is a lot you can do to make sure your children feel loved and supported during the process. The most important priority during divorce is to make sure your kids continue to thrive.
How to support your kids during a divorce.
Source: Child Mind Institute
Why is it important for parents to understand milestones and normal behavior at each age?
Age-appropriate behavior means what most children can do at a certain age. These behaviors are normal—even if they’re hard sometimes. You are more likely to be able to respond with patience and support if you understand what is normal for your child’s age. For example:
- Babies cry to communicate.
- Toddlers often say “no” as they learn to be independent.
- Preschoolers may have big emotions and need help to calm down.
- School-age kids start to solve problems and make friends.
- Notice how your child plays, talks, and interacts.
- Celebrate their progress, even small steps.
- Talk to your doctor if you have concerns or aren’t sure if your child’s behavior is age-appropriate.
Get information from trusted sources, like the American Academy of Pediatrics’ developmental checklists.