GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The start of a new year is a great time to think about strategies to up our parenting game, strengthening relationships with our children, and improve behavior. It might sound exhausting, but it doesn’t have to be! We can focus on some small simple techniques that support our kids, while reducing our own stress and overwhelm.
13 ON YOUR SIDE spoke with holistic child psychologist Dr. Nicole Beurkens for some suggestions.
Dr. Beurkens shared these three ideas, which she said research shows can lead to improvements in many areas for the entire family:
- Put down your devices: Be more mindful about your own device use throughout the day, especially when interacting with your kids.
- 10 minutes of connection: A few times a week spend just 10 minutes doing something with your child that they want to do. Read books, build with Legos, take a walk, or just sit and chat.
- Catch them being good: Be intentional about noticing and commenting on the positive things your kids say and do throughout the day.
For more insights like these, visit Dr. Beurkens' website.
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