Families can have different expectations of their children’s behaviour and the roles of parents. This leads to differences in family relationships and communication styles. Many beliefs about what helps to create healthy family relationships are influenced by the values and experiences that parents and carers were exposed to in their own families while growing up.

Cultural background also influences the values and goals adults, have for children’s development. There are also differences within cultures, meaning that no two families will have the same benefits, even if they come from the same community.
Whether families with children have one parent or two, whether they include step-parents, grandparents or other carers, they can build strong, positive relationships that promote family well-being and support children’s mental health.

When children receive love and support in a warm family environment, they are better able to take on the childhood tasks of exploring their world and learning new skills. They also learn from the family environment how to connect with other people and build healthy relationships.

Following are the pointers are given below to have a super healthy relationship with your child :

1. Always Express Yourself:

It is essential for you to tell your child how you feel about him/her. It helps them to have a better view of the picture.
• Express yourself, say I love you often.
• If you disagree on something, sit and discuss what exactly you didn’t like and why.
• When you express yourself, nothing is left unsaid, leaving you both on the same page. This goes a long way in building a healthy relationship.

2. Let Your Child Be Inquisitive:

Tell your child what you trust in!
• Let him ask you a ton of questions. Answer all of them with patience.
• Remember, you are building the foundation for your child’s future belief and faith. So always be ready to nurture the queries.
• It will help him form his own opinion and views later.

3. Let Your Child Help:

When you let your child support, you are not only teaching him to be responsible, but you are also getting closer.
• Ask for his opinion on what to wear while going out and be ready to opt for what they suggest.
• When you take his suggestions seriously, he gets your respect too and feels good.

4. Play With Your Child:

Playtime is the best bonding time.
• It is a right way of getting to know each other and brings you closer.
• It can always be a great way of teaching your child about winning and losing.
• Get silly with your child and show them your side that he doesn’t often get to see.

5. Always Eat Together:

Mealtime should still be family time no matter what.
• Let it be the place for open discussion and sharing stuff.
• The dinner table is the most common place for family talks.

6. Remember that you are the parent:

Your job is to prepare your child to become an independent, fully functioning adult.
• Being a clear-sighted, compassionate mentor is way more important than being your teen’s friend.
• They don’t need your friendship, anyway. What they need is your moral leadership.

7. Remain calm in the winds of change

• Nothing gets resolved when you’re too stressed to think.
•  If you can’t respond rationally to something your teen did, take a break until you can.

8. Be real. Father/mother does not always know best.

•  Admit your confusion and mistakes.
•  Apologize when appropriate.

9. Schedule regular unplugged time to enjoy being a family.

Cook. Eat. Walk. Bike. Bowl. Whatever.
• The point is: Relaxing together without screens in the way is a gift with long-lasting benefits.

10. Lighten up

Humour is a great de-stressor. Remember, no one stays a teen (or the parent of one)            forever