In the first episode of the Parent Project Podcast a group of parents and grandparents share their experiences around building relationships with their children. How does it feel to be truly connected with our children? What are the personal successes and challenges building connection within our families?
For each episode of the Parent Project Podcast, host Kate Nash curated games, activities, resources, reflections and family practices to use, listen, and do at home.
Listen to episode 1 here (or in your favourite podcast app).
Healthy relationships take time, practice and awareness. This means being present, responsive, reliable and open.
When do you have the most meaningful connections with your family?
Some parents have the best talks with their family right after dinner, while others like to do something together that their children are passionate about, or have their children open up to them during the confined and private moments of a car ride.
Our participants learned that meaningful connections are not happening when you are angry or charged.
Try to laugh and have fun. Relax, and you will have a more genuine connection.
“Just listen and be surprised”, says Anne Millerd in the first episode. “I used to prepare conversations with my kids, but they never go the way you planned. They never say what you think they’re going to say, so I try to do it differently with my grandchildren. I just show up and listen.”
Listen to the first episode to learn more about the tools we can use to foster deeper relationships.
Game:
Either /Or: A fun and light game to get everyone chatting, laughing and connecting is the Either/Or game. Put together a list of questions for your family and bond over the similarities and wonder about the differences between your answers. For example, choose two options and have family members pick which they prefer: movies or books, running or walking, sleeping in or getting up early, alone or in a group, text or call?
Watch: Relationships Matters
How connected are our students? How important is connection? Dr. Neufeld argues that without healthy relationships, learning will not happen.
Gordon Neufeld is a Vancouver-based developmental psychologist with over 45 years of experience with children and youth and those responsible for them. A foremost authority on child development, Dr. Neufeld is an international speaker, a bestselling author (Hold On To Your Kids) and a leading interpreter of the developmental paradigm. Dr. Neufeld has a widespread reputation for making sense of complex problems and for opening doors for change.
Activity:
In addition to listening to Building Relationships with our Children, to hear what other parents think, you can respond to or journal your answers to the discussion questions that are asked in the podcast.
*What surprised you most about becoming a (grand)parent, or in your experience of being a (grand)parent?
*What does it look like when you feel you’re having a deep and meaningful connection with youth that you love in your life.
*What stands in the way of you making deep and meaningful connections with your children?
* What is a tool you use to connect with your child?
Family practice: Name Story
Share with your family the story of your name, as well as the story of their name if they don’t already know it. Sharing stories about last names, their origin, cultural significance and meaning is also important in giving children and youth a sense of belonging and identity. It can be useful for members to research a little beforehand from online sources.
Why is this game important? How does it facilitate family relationships?
A person’s name is the greatest connection to their own identity and individuality. The more we can understand ourselves, including what makes us similar and different to others, the better we can treat ourselves and others.
This podcast is sponsored by Island Savings, a division of First West Credit Union.
Photo by Annie Spratt (Unsplash)
