You can follow everything outlined in the other articles, but if
you build relationships within your
family, nothing else will matter.
Have you ever noticed that when a certain person gives you a
suggestion or says something, you typically get upset or
irritated? And if someone else says the exact same
thing it doesn’t bother you at all? The difference is
probably the quality of your relationship with that person.
In Seven Habits of Highly Effective Families, Covey talks
about building a relationship with your child and family by
adding “emotional deposits” to their “bank accounts”. There will
be times when a mother or father makes poor decisions
and “withdrawals”, but it won’t be as hurtful to the
relationship if there are enough positive
interactions.
Examples of Deposits ( the first three deposits are from
Covey’s book):
- Say your sorry.
- Be loyal to those not present.
- Follow through on your promises.
- Listen to your child.
- Empathize with your child’s frustrations.
- Play with your child on their terms.For example, if they want to jump off the bed into pillows, do it
- with them.
- Model honesty, integrity, humility.
Making these types of deposits will enhance the
relationship with your child and make everything else
related to parenting much easier.
