I remember spending hours holding and bonding with each of my new born babies, as if it were yesterday. I would gaze at their little faces as they lay in my arms and nurse I would kiss their sweet cheeks, hold their tiny hands, and whisper how much I love them and how blessed I am to be their mother. Those connections throughout each day created the foundation for my strong bond with all of my kids. Even as a brand new mom, I understood that connection is the most important part of our parenting responsibilities.
As my children grow older, my connections with each of them have changed, but the bond we have continues to grow. No longer can I hold any of my babies in my arms (although I still try!), but we share much time together. We have always been very present with our children and are continually looking for ways to connect in intentional ways. Discussing life issues is an important part of our days. Chatting on the way to and from school, at their siblings’ sports events, and ensuring our children know they can come to us with any questions and concerns they have about whatever they desire, at any time, as become habit. Much has changed in the way we communicate, but the connection we began with each of them as babies is paramount in our busy lives.
I am excited to be a part of the #TalkEarly program, whose goal it is to encourage parents to create a lifetime of conversations with kids about alcohol, beginning as young as 6-9 years old. At our summit not long ago, we had the pleasure of hearing from Dr. Shefali Tsabery, a clinical psychologist and leader of the “conscious parenting’ movement. She said something that certainly resinated with all of us about being present and intentional –
Connection comes before correction, busy schedules, and achievement.
Since our kiddos were very young, they have understood that they can discuss anything with us. We’ve had many real and raw conversations with our teens and have also had some pretty deep conversations with our younger kiddos, as well. They all know that they can bring up any topic with us, at appropriate times, and that no issue is ever off the table.
How do you connect with your children on a daily basis?
Disclosure: I have been compensated for this post in partnership with the #TalkEarly program as a blogging ambassador. As usual, all thoughts and opinions are mine.
#TalkEarly was created with a simple goal in mind: Empower parents to be confident about their own decisions regarding alcohol, model healthy, balanced behaviors, and create a foundation for starting conversations with their kids from an early age.
