With Kay growing up in the blink of an eye, I find myself with more time than ever. While I am proud of the girl she is growing up to be, seeing her discover new roles, responsibilities and independence everyday; I know while my girl grows up, she’s going to be needing her parents less and that is something we need to come to terms with.
The truth and the irony of life is, while kids grow up, we don’t. As grown ups, we grow older, depending on our kids more and more each day; we have to simultaneously come to terms with them needing us less as the days pass. When life plays such cruel ironies, the only thing we can do is make the most of the time we have together.
As a family and before our kids grow up, honestly, all we have are a few years together, to make memories and create unbreakable bonds and relations.
Here are a few ways on building unshakable familial bonds:
- Travel: Once a year, if not more, take a holiday as a family- you, your husband/wife and kids. This holiday should not include grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins , best friends and should be just the ‘mains.’ The duration and location of the holiday is your choice but the aim of this trip is to bond, have fun without the daily pressures and stress of life. We take at least two trips minimum each year and it is an amazing experience to see her discover new people, countries, cuisines and moments together.
- Date: Everybody advises you on dating your partner, what about going on dates with your child? Once a fortnight, you or your partner should take your child somewhere for a date- it can be a movie, a dinner at a nice restaurant, a trampoline park, a long drive with icecream and junk food. The theme of the date obviously depends on your shared interests and the amount of time you have together. For me, I usually take out Kay on a date once a month where we try a new restaurant together after some bowling and arcades.
- Prioritize: You love your child, your child loves but it is important to show and tell how important they are to you. Now at nine, Kay is still under my watchful eyes whenever she’s not at school but as she will grow up, I want me and my husband to be ‘those’ parents who she turns to when she’s in trouble, in danger, in need or even a timeout when she has had a bad day. They need to know, their call or sos will be one thing that will never be ignored at any time of the day or night.
- Communicate: I talk a lot! And for a quiet person, my daughter makes my husband talk a lot too! This open communication, the ability to ask unflinchingly any question to me or my husband from what is a date, when did you get married, when can I go out alone to even, is it okay if I don’t get married. These small questions result in an open line of communication and when we answer them without hesitation and honestly, we are restoring her faith in us. She knows her parents will always tell the truth and answer any question or doubt, solve any problem of hers and that should pave the way to an open communication when she grows up, too.’
- Respect: While our kids will always be younger than us, that doesn’t give us the right to disrespect them. The biggest mistake that most parents make is belittling their kids, not taking their thoughts and worries seriously. My daughter is well aware of our age difference and she takes utmost pride and happiness in reminding me of how ‘old I am’ in her comparison. But age has never played a role in the way I communicate with her or her friends, we have always asked and respected her opinion. She has grown up with the simple quid pro quo that respect those who respect you.
Which of these attributes and things do you follow and do with your child?
Being A Girl Mom 