How to connect WITH YOUR KIDS

Parenting expert Dr Justin Coulson shares simple ideas - often things we know we ought to do but struggle to actually do - that can make all the difference

TAKE EVERY OPPORTUNITY

Sometimes our children speak to us at inconvenient moments. Other times the things they speak to us about feel mundane and boring. Our response may be to sigh, stare at our device and humour them. Instead, see their desire to talk with you as an opportunity to meet the need they have to feel a sense of relationship; an opportunity to understand what’s inside your child, making them tick, inspiring them and igniting them. Any time they talk to you, they’re opening their life up and inviting you in. What a privilege! When they talk with you, recognise that they could as easily be staring at a screen. Instead, they’ve chosen you. Grab the opportunity with both hands and devour it. But if you really can’t, explain why and tell them when you can be involved.

BE WHERE YOUR FEET ARE