3. How to Strengthen Parent-Child Relationships
• Telling Your Children That You Love Them: Tell children you love them every day, no matter
their age. Even on trying days or after disagreements, parents should make sure children know that
although you did not like their behavior, you love them unconditionally.
• Play With Your Children
• Establish a Special Name or Code Word :: Create a special name for your child that is positive or a secret code
word that you can use with each other. Use the name as a simple reinforcement of your love.
• Develop and Maintain Bedtime Rituals : Reading bedtime books or telling stories to children creates lifelong
rituals. Bedtime is a separation and creating a ritual makes kids feel safer
• Teach Your Kids About Faith or Spirituality :Teach your child about your faith and beliefs. Tell her what you
believe and why. Allow time for your child to ask questions and answer them honestly. Reinforce those teachings
often
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4. 4
• Respect Children's Choices : It is important to respect those choices. Children reach out
for independence at a young age, and parents can help to foster those decision-making skills
by being supportive and even looking the other way on occasion.
• Make Them a Priority in Your Life : Your children need to know that you believe they
are a priority in your life. Children can observe excessive stress and notice when they feel
you are not paying them attention.
• Eat meals together: Eating meals as a family is extremely important. Mealtime is the best
time for having good conversations and sharing. This can be a fun bonding activity, too. Be
sure to remove all distractions during meals. Turn the TV off and put all electronics away.
This is the time when you can really talk and enjoy each other’s company.
7. Let’s start with the first set of slides
Authoritarian Parenting
Authoritarian parents are often thought of as disciplinarians.
• They use a strict discipline style with little negotiation possible. Punishment
is common.
• Communication is mostly one way: from parent to child. Rules usually are
not explained.
• Parents with this style are typically less nurturing.
• Expectations are high with limited flexibility.
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9. Permissive Parenting
Permissive or Indulgent parents mostly let their children do what they want,
and offer limited guidance or direction. They are more like friends than
parents.
• Their discipline style is the opposite of strict. They have limited or no
rules and mostly let children figure problems out on their own.
• Communication is open but these parents let children decide for
themselves rather than giving direction.
• Parents in this category tend to be warm and nurturing.
• Expectations are typically minimal or not set by these parents.
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11. Uninvolved Parenting
Uninvolved parents give children a lot of freedom and generally stay out of
their way. Some parents may make a conscious decision to parent in this way,
while others are less interested in parenting or unsure of what to do.
• No particular discipline style is utilized. An uninvolved parent lets a child
mostly do what he wants, probably out of a lack of information or caring.
• Communication is limited.
• This group of parents offers little nurturing.
• There are few or no expectations of children. 11
13. Authoritative Parenting
Authoritative parents are reasonable and nurturing, and set high, clear
expectations. Children with parents who demonstrate this style tend to be self-
disciplined and think for themselves. This style is thought to be most beneficial to
children.
• Disciplinary rules are clear and the reasons behind them are explained.
• Communication is frequent and appropriate to the child’s level of
understanding.
• Authoritative parents are nurturing.
• Expectations and goals are high but stated clearly. Children may have input into
goals.
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15. Importance of Parent-Child Relationships
• Children who have a healthy relationship with their parents are more likely to develop
positive relationships with other people around them. They can establish secure bonds and
friendships with peers.
• They are better at regulating their emotions when faced with stress and difficult situations.
• A secure attachment with parents helps promote a child’s cognitive, emotional and social
development. It also helps kids exhibit positive social behaviors.
• The healthy involvement of parents in their children’s day to day life helps ensure that their
kids can perform better socially and academically.
• Children who have a secure and positive relationship with their parents learn essential skills
and values that set them on the path for future success.
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16. The ParentAdult-Child Relationship Questionnaire
• Definitely does not apply = 1
• Not really = 2
• Neutral, not sure =3
• Applies somewhat =4
• Definitely =5applies
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17. CONTINUE……..
• 1. I share an affectionate, warm relationship with my child.
• 2. My child and I always seem to be struggling with each other.
• 3. If upset, my child will seek comfort from me.
• 4. My child is uncomfortable with physical affection or touch from me.
• 5. My child values his/her relationship with me.
• 6. My child appears hurt or embarrassed when I correct him/her.
• 7. My child does not want to accept help when he/she needs it.
• 8. When I praise my child, he/she beams with pride.
• 9. My child reacts strongly to separation from me.
• 10. My child spontaneously shares information about himself/herself.
• 11. My child is overly dependent on me.
• 12. My child easily becomes angry at me.
• 13. My child tries to please me.
• 14. My child feels that I treat him/her unfairly.
• 15. My child asks for my help when he/she really does not need help.
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18. CONTINUE……..
• 16. It is easy to be in tune with what my child is feeling.
• 17. My child sees me as a source of punishment and criticism.
• 18. My child expresses hurt or jealousy when I spend time with other children.
• 19. My child remains angry or is resistant after being disciplined.
• 20. When my child is misbehaving, he/she responds to my look or tone of voice.
• 21. Dealing with my child drains my energy.
• 22. I've noticed my child copying my behavior or ways of doing things.
• 23. When my child is in a bad mood, I know we're in for a long and difficult day.
• 24. My child's feelings toward me can be unpredictable or can change suddenly.
• 25. Despite my best efforts, I'm uncomfortable with how my child and I get along.
• 26. I often think about my child when at work.
• 27. My child whines or cries when he/she wants something from me.
• 28. My child is sneaky or manipulative with me.
• 29. My child openly shares his/her feelings and experiences with me.
• 30. My interactions with my child make me feel effective and confident as a parent.
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