The original article first appear on The New Age Parents Jun/Jul E MAG. Download the full issue here. This is the unedited version. It's Father's day.
Lets talk about bonding with kids from a Dad's point of view . I would be the first to admit, the father is not the número uno in the family. Instinctively, at least in my household,the mum is the one the boys go to when they want a touch of comfort. Daddy, on the other hand, is synonymous with discipline.That does not mean that there are limited options to bond with the children. Here are some methods that works for me and the boys in a typical bonding session
Saying 'I love You' with a hug and a kiss
We do that each evening and at every other opportunity to show them we love them. In fact the usual reward for good behavior is a hug and the boys know it.
Play time is bond time
Be it kicking a ball or role play with LEGO, every play time is the time to bond. The longer we play, the closer we get.
Pay attention
Put down the gadgets , stop reading the papers and pay 100% attention. You will be amaze how much the little ones will appreciate the effort to spend time with them, even if it was for a few precious minutes.
Enjoy a hearty laugh
Tell a joke and be a clown in front of the children. Happy kids are contented children and they will remember these moments so make it plenty.
Be generous with praise .. For the right reason
Be selective and praise them when their action is worthy of one. Recognition of their extra efforts will make them feel appreciated.
Be there to comfort
When the boys are distress or throw tantrums, instead of reprimanding them, comfort them. Let them know that you will be there for them in good times and in bad.
Spend one-on-one time
I will make an effort to spend time alone with either sibling. It could be a walk in the park, watching a tv show or simply having small talks. This is to show them that I treat them as individuals and they are special on their own.
Be a Dad
Being a dad means more than just bringing home the bacon, caring for the kids and just being there for them. It means being engage with them 24/7 and be a part of their growing up process. You are not just a provider or a friend. You are not 'working' when you are with the children. Like the saying goes, "Anyone can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a Dad"A father does not make a family, he would only make it whole with the mother and children. A family that bonds together , stays together. And to all daddies who are reading this.
Happy Father's Day! Hehe!
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