Parent-Child relationship

Parent-Child relationships can be so varied from family to family. Some kids are really close with their parents, others are not. Lately I have been thinking about what you do now, while the kids are little, but also as they grow up to foster a close, open relationship. While I don't know all the answers (or really any of the answers because my kiddies are still little) I am thinking through some strategies.

Today I just needed my parents. I wasn't sick, I wasn't hurt, I was just overwhelmed and stressed out and didn't know what to do. I just needed my parents. My parents were amazing, came around, listened to me, hugged me, occupied Alexander, were just there. I think a big part of having a good, close and open relationship with your kids is being present with them and open to listening to them. When they are upset, hearing them out, not just shutting them down. When I called Mum and Dad they were in the car heading home from chiro. They came straight over. Not a hesitation. How did it make me feel? Loved, cared for, supported, important. They are pretty amazing, selfless parents.

Another element of having close relationships with your kids is love. Unconditional love. Love that shows itself through actions. Love that shows itself through words. Andrew preached a sermon on 1 Corinthians 13 and it wasn't about being married. He didn't directly talk about love as a parent with kids but on the way home I just kept repeating in my mind 'show the kids love'. 

I hope and pray that I have an open, close relationship with each of my kids. I hope that they will feel comfortable coming and talking with me about different things - worries, joys, changes, uncertainties, girlfriends, boyfriends, etc. Time will tell but for now I am going to try really hard and be present and showing them love as much as I can.

Thanks to Mum and Dad for their support today. I really needed it!