Are you present in your child’s life, but really absent? Are there ways you share space with your child, but lack the ability to connect with them?
I have a cousin in Los Angeles who says, “It’s hard out here in these streets!” Well, cuz, I’d say it’s hard out here–in these homes, too. Our kids at home are bombarded with threats, abuse, and questions beyond their ability to manage. Yet, painfully, they face these challenges with capable people in the room who are often unaware or unwilling to connect.
The challenges we faced as children do not compare to the things kids must navigate through today. Our electronic devices bring an excitement, an element of materialism and sexuality, and a level of bullying, and access to predators that we have never known.
Family Time Today
In general, families struggle for time to properly bond and enjoy each other without distraction.
That might be because 60 percent of parents describe their daily lives as “hectic,” and one in four say that the lack of family quality time–away from chores, work, school, or TV–is a real problem.
The top things to blame are, inevitably, “long hours at work (67 percent), weekends spent doing chores, and the kids’ school schedule.” – New York Post
The battle to meet the demands of your household, intentionally educate and engage your kids, and to also find a moment for yourself may seem impossible. You may be a parent that struggles with motivating your child in more meaningful or developmental ways.
You could be a grandparent or family member that recognizes the strain your family members are facing.
Great News! Nothing is impossible. It is all about your perspective, approach, and support.
See the need. Seek help from your elders, your faith leaders, learn from tips written by time-management experts, and locate mental health care professionals, and move forward with supportive action.
Make a plan! Be a present parent.
Children change the world and family support empowers. When you consistently make the effort to be present physically, mentally, and emotionally in the life of your child, your bond will be strengthened and that will strengthen all that’s good and lovely in our mean and hectic world!
by Sheila A.O. Champions Change Lives
Read Printed Books | Love Your Neighbor | Do More Together
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