7 Ways to Have Meaningful Contact with Your Child

One of the primary ways to demonstrate unconditional love with your child is through various forms of contact.  Shown below are 7 ways to establish meaningful contact with your child. 

1. Physical contact.  Affection is the cement to a relationship and your child thrives on physical touch.

2. Eye contact.  The best attentive listening happens through continual eye connection.

3. Time contact.  Time equals love so love your child by spending daily time together.

4. Meal contact.  Meals at the table not only strengthen a parent-child bond but also provide a time for establishing values. 

5. Prayer contact. Regularly pray with your child: in the morning, in the car, at meals, before bedtime, etc.

6. Monthly date contact.  Plan a one-on-one monthly date with your child outside the home. 

7. Activity contact.  Regularly enjoy activities together like playing catch, riding a bike, going to the movies, shooting baskets, building with Legos, hitting golf balls, etc.

Today:  Implement these seven contact ideas as well as create your own meaningful contact action plan.

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7 Ways to Value Your Child

Value is one of the best synonyms for love.  Parents who value their child will develop a responsible decision-making adult one day.  Shown below are seven essentials for valuing a child. 

1. Live your Christian faith.  A parent has the privilege to be a faith example through regular worship, daily prayer life, and godly words and actions.

2. Regular chores.  Give simple work for your child but make it happen regularly.  Work builds both self-confidence and self-worth. 

3. Listen attentively.  Listen closely by reflecting back what your child tells you.

4. Compliment effort more than correct errors. Positive words encourage while hurtful, critical words discourage.

5. Take misbehavior seriously.  Never just “smile” or even laugh when your child makes a mistake but let misbehavior be a teaching lesson through consequences or taking away privileges.

6. Have one on one time.  Focused one on one contact will make a significant difference in your child’s emotional and developmental well-being. 

7. Value by never devaluing your child.  Sarcasm, hurtful teasing, ridicule, not spending time together, etc. will damage your child’s self-worth.  Instead, communicate a constant belief in your child’s abilities and help them achieve their goals. 

Today:  Implement these seven ideas along with your own wonderful skills and tools for valuing your child.    

Enjoyed this post?  Like or share on Facebook and Twitter to spread the word!  Please also “SUBSCRIBE” on my website for future newletters and information about my Christian marriage book.  See past blog posts under Practical Wisdom for Marriage, Parenting, and Life. 

FamJam Parenting Workshop

On Saturday, November 3 at 10:30 am, I am speaking on “Christian Leadership Parenting.”  The FamJam Parenting Workshop, www.hclc.info/famjam, will take place from 9:00am to 1:00pm at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 8115 Oaklandon Road, Indianapolis, 46236, 317-823-5801. Fifteen speakers will gather to provide insights on parenting, finances, anxiety, sibling relationships, sleep issues, and even picky eaters. There is something for everyone!  This will be helpful for parents, grandparents, aunts & uncles, nannies & babysitters, and anyone who cares for children.

This is not just for Holy Cross families but for anyone in the entire Indianapolis area and surrounding communities.