Every parent hopes that their child will continue to turn to them in later years—to spend time together, share joys and sorrows, and seek advice and guidance.
اضافة اعلان
Here are some practices parents should start early if they want a relationship that lasts through adolescence and adulthood, according to CNBC:
1. Trust Your Children
Children respond to the expectations placed on them. Excessive interference or constant correction can gradually make them more resentful or withdrawn.
Offer trust early and often. Try saying: “I trust you. If you face any difficulty, you can always come to me.” This trust becomes the foundation they rely on later, when life grows more complex.
2. Accept All Emotions, Not Just the Pleasant Ones
If you want your child to come to you during their teenage years, they must learn early that their inner world is safe with you. Suppressing their tears, fears, or frustration may cause them to stop expressing themselves to you. Acceptance can be as simple as saying: “Everything you feel is allowed.” Emotional safety now leads to emotional openness later.
3. Stop Trying to Control Who They Become
Many children distance themselves from their parents because they feel suffocated by expectations. Give them space to be curious, loud, and even a little unusual. Children stay closer to adults who allow them to be themselves as they grow.
4. Accept Them Fully—Especially the Parts You Don’t Understand
Acceptance is not the same as approval; it sends the message: “You are loved and welcome just as you are.” Children remain close to adults who accept their entire identity, not only the parts that are easy to handle. Feeling accepted now reduces the likelihood of withdrawal later.
5. Repair the Relationship When You Make a Mistake
The strongest parent-child relationships are built on repair. Replace “I’m sorry you feel that way” with: “I’m sorry. You didn’t deserve that. I’ll do my best to be better.” When parents take responsibility, they teach their children that mistakes do not end relationships.
6. Listen More Than You Speak
Children tend to withdraw when they don’t feel heard. When they share fears or frustrations, they are usually seeking connection.
Instead of offering an immediate solution, try saying: “Tell me more about that.” Listening builds a bridge they will continue to cross as issues become more important.
7. Let Them Disagree Without Punishment
If a child learns early that disagreement leads to conflict, punishment, or withdrawal of love, they may stop being honest later.
A healthy relationship requires emotional freedom. When your child disagrees with you, respond with curiosity rather than control. Teach them that honesty is safe and will never threaten your relationship.
Asharq Al-Awsat
