Psychologist: Snacking Time Strengthens Bonding Parents And Children

Illustration. (Photo: Unsplash)

JAKARTA - Child and Youth Psychologist Anastasia Satriyo, M.Psi., Psychologists state that snacking time can strengthen the (bonding) relationship between parents and their children.

"In fact, this is where the strength of reflective parenting works: we turn a routine into a safe emotional space to build children's relationships and identities," Anastasia said in a media meeting in Jakarta, quoted by Antara, Santu, October 11.

Anastasia said that even though it seemed trivial, this moment could make children feel seen, valued, and loved. Children can tell their parents anything intimately about the various things that happen in their life.

At that moment, children are also expected to feel the real presence of their parents in the midst of busy work. Therefore, parents need to be active in opening up discussion rooms and providing space for their children to open up.

Parents can create exciting snacking time using the ABC method, namely Knowledge or acknowledging the feelings felt by their child, Bonding or building ties through concrete activities involving sensory children and Celebrate or celebrating a child's achievements.

For example, by asking how to rotate biscuits or taste snacks while making eye contact that shows enthusiastic expression.

"That's when the child's emotional bond and confidence develop significantly at the same time," he said.

Anastasia reminded that the child's brain, especially those under the age of 7, still has little capacity. This allows new children to remember certain moments that make an emotional impression on their hearts.

Another thing he emphasized was that parents should not be engrossed in their own cellphones when accompanying their children to eat snacks. Parents are asked to focus on their children and enjoy snacks together even in just 15 minutes.