One powerful tip...

When you’re juggling unanswered emails, monitoring homework, meal planning and keeping everyone on their chore calendar (nope, that pile of laundry STILL hasn’t folded itself), it can feel impossible to carve out dedicated time to bond with your child. Even if you’ve been with them ALL day, it’s unrealistic for every moment to be a bonding experience. And yet, having small moments of connection are so important to their development. 

The good news is, you don’t need to spend MORE time with your kid, just BETTER time.

So the next time you’re having one of those, “OMG it’s too much” kind of days, try this one powerful tip from Bend Therapist and SVP of Clinical Services Rosimar Suddeth, LCSW.

Ready to turn the bedtime routine into a moment of real connection with your kid? Here are three ways to get your kiddo chatting tonight: 

1. Try side-by-side communication. Some kids are more likely to open up when they can talk without making direct eye contact. Utilizing moments like when you are both lying in bed before storytime or when you are brushing their hair can take some of the pressure off and allow you both to communicate with more ease.
2. Use creative, open ended prompts. Try getting a little creative with your questions. Ask them things like, “If you could have any superpower what would it be and why?” or “What would you do with a million dollars?” Then just listen attentively as they open up. ‍
3. Put electronics away. We know, we know. But try to make the bedroom a no-phone zone so that you don’t get distracted. You’re more likely to give your child your undivided attention if notifications aren’t popping up on your phone (and we think you could use a little break too).