Ways to strengthen FAMILY BONDING

We lead such busy lives that there's hardly any time for emotional bonding. The children are caught up with school and homework, while we're tied to our office routines. How can we build and strengthen family bonding?

- GAYATHRI RAO

In fast-paced contemporary life, it's important for parents to utilise every opportunity — such as the time spent in traffic jams — to bond with their children.

These days the biggest obstacles to connecting with our children is the smartphone. Many of us find it easier to give our attention to digital screens rather than to people around us. We don't always need to set aside special time to bond — sometimes even a one-on-one chat with children during daily activities, such as folding clothes or making a meal together, is sufficient.

Focus on quality rather than quantity of time. Here are some suggestions to make the most of your time with your children:

• Ask about how their day went and listen attentively without interrupting, jumping in to explain, or adding your perspective.

• When children feel heard, they begin to acknowledge you as someone they can confide in during difficult times.

• Ask open-ended questions that can't be answered with a simple yes or no, allowing them to elaborate.

• Involve them in non-major family decisions. For example: “It’s a holiday — what should we have for dinner?”

• Make the effort to eat dinner together as a family. Avoid TV dinners/meals.

• Share your day’s experiences with your children — people you met, how you overcame a challenge, or something that annoyed you.

After dinner, we often watch the TV news en famille. Of late, my ten-year-old has begun asking questions about crime news. Please suggest how I can answer these questions without making him anxious and fearful. - Jivana Hariharan, Chennai