A warm, friendly relationship with your child prevents many problems before they start. When children feel close to their parents, they are more likely to come to them with worries and mistakes instead of hiding them. Being your child’s friend does not mean giving up your role as a parent. It means being someone they trust.
Get to know your child
Notice what your child loves and what they avoid, how they react when they are tired or frustrated, and what makes them laugh. Understanding the way they think helps you respond calmly instead of reacting to the behaviour alone.
Listen first
When your child tells you something, stop what you are doing and look at them. Let them finish before you comment. If they share a mistake, thank them for telling you before you discuss what to do about it. Children quickly stop talking to adults who interrupt, lecture or laugh at their worries.
Share their interests
Ask about their favourite game, cartoon or friend, and join in from time to time. Ten minutes of play on the floor, following your child’s lead, says more than any long talk. Games you play together, such as bowling Beads balls or a family puzzle like the Puzzle of Emotions, also give you an easy way to talk about feelings.
Keep your word
Friendship is built on trust. If you promise a trip to the park or a game after homework, keep the promise, or explain honestly why you cannot. Children remember.
Set rules with respect
You can still say no. Explain the reason in simple words, stay consistent and avoid shouting. Firm and kind boundaries make children feel safe, and safety is the base of any close relationship.
Looking for games to share? Explore picks for parents or use the Smart Guide to find toys for your child’s age and interests.