How to Build Trust with Your Child NOW So They Come to You Later

As your child grows from that little boy on the monkey bars into the young man going to his first homecoming, new challenges will arise. One of the most common and easily avoidable is an open line of communication and trust. Showing your child from an early age that you are someone that they can talk to about their problems is paramount.

A Two Way Street Called Honesty

If you want your child to feel the desire and comfort to come to you in the future, it starts with you. You cannot expect your child to feel comfortable spilling out their feelings and thoughts to you if you have never done the same. Be it with them, your spouse or another adult while they are around. Showing your child that you have the emotional maturity to share your emotions with others teaching kids to do the same. If you are reserved around them and never share how you feel, then why would they ever want to speak to you about the same?

Open The Mind To Expand The Heart

The experiences of your child will in many ways mirror those of yourself or people you know. However, not everyone goes through the same things so it is imperative you keep an open mind to the world in which your child is coming from. Rejection of tomorrow’s temptations begins with acceptance and understanding today. Things that you may find as silly and trivial to you as a parent are life and death situations to your child. Taking their problems and concerns with the same level of concern as they do will teach them that you can handle their dilemma. 

Passing Judgement Will Always Fail

The quickest way to get someone to not speak to you is for them to feel like they are not being heard. Many times, children fear disappointing and upsetting their parents so they will withhold things from them. Now, it is your job to raise your child and many times that means that you are not their friend. You need to balance having authority and compassion so that your child knows to not make mistakes, but that they can come to you if they do. Loving without condition and listening without judgement is the quickest way of ensuring that you have an open relationship with your child.