There’s a magnet on my fridge that has a poem that I’m sure you’ve seen before. “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

There are a lot of things that we can’t do too much about, but this article isn’t about those things. It’s about doing something about the things you CAN change. One of the most important things people need in their lives is relationships, whether they are with your spouse, children, family, or friends.

One of the most important relationships you can cultivate is the relationship with your child. It not only forms the basis of how your family will interact, but it affects all future relationships your child will ever have. Take the time now to slow down and enjoy your children. As the old adage goes, they will grow up right before your eyes.

Today, we are running with our children to various extra curricular activities such as sports, music lessons, play dates, school functions, and other family obligations. It doesn’t leave much time to really connect with your child, but there are simple and easy steps that you can take right now to correct the problem and start to create a stronger bond between you and your children.

1. Take time to listen to your kids. Find out what they are looking forward to in the upcoming days and weeks. Ask about their day and their friends. I’m sure you’ll be amazed to see what kind of a person your little one is growing to be. Often, they’re much more entertaining than what you’ll find on television!
2. Involve your child in different activities around the house. Perhaps they could help you set the table, or cook dinner. They may be able to help you in your home office while you finish up some tasks in the evening.
3. Create (or bring back) traditions. Family traditions don’t have to be detailed and massive. It could be something as simple as everyone eating dinner together and talking about what happened during their day. It may be a simple journal that is left in the kitchen for each of you to write notes back and forth if there are times or days where you won’t connect one on one. You could start a family game night, order take out during the first weekend of the month, or even have a special moment before bed where you read from their favourite book.

Whatever you choose to do to create that relationship between yourself and your child, know that it will be something you will cherish for the rest of your lives.