The most important factor for improving closeness between parents and children is their quality of interaction, University of Indonesia clinical psychologist Muthmainah Mufidah has said.

According to Mufidah, the quality of interaction does not depend on how often it happens, or whether parents are physically present.

When contacted by Antara on Friday, she said the key is to focus on listening to children, such as telling them how the day went.

“If you are busy, tell them that you are working and give them an illustration of what you are doing. That makes the child imagine. Parents can also trick their children to study beside them while working,” she added.

Another psychologist from the University of Indonesia, A. Kasandra Putranto, said that the trick to bonding with children is recognizing their character.

“Get to know the child’s character by often inviting them to discuss. Do activities or hobbies together, such as sports, culinary, and so on. Also, give gifts for them occasionally, ” Putranto added.

Child, adolescent, and family psychologist Rosdiana Setyaningrum gave similar advice. She said that communication patterns that align with a child’s character can build intimacy.

“We as parents must pay attention to our children’s traits, teach them the way, and the right time to talk. Give the choice of words that they can say,” Setyaningrum elaborated.

Furthermore, she also said that parenting must be in keeping with children’s age. Thus, children will feel appreciated by parents, she added.

It is important to suit the parenting style to the children’s age, she said. For example, when teaching children how to be independent and make their own choices, parents must give them the opportunity to have options, develop on their own, she expounded.

“The children will feel appreciated, making them closer,” she added.

Source: Antara News