Ways Parents Can Do To Build Closeness With Children

Illustration (Cottonbro/Pexels)

JAKARTA - Adult clinical psychologist Muthmainah Mufidah from the University of Indonesia said that the most important thing to increase the closeness between parents and children is to pay attention to the quality of interaction with children.

"What is really important is the quality of the interaction, not how often, or just being physically present. So when you are with your children, you focus on listening and sharing stories, for example exchanging stories about the activities of father and son on that day," said Mufidah, as reported by ANTARA, Sunday. , 12 June.

"If you are really busy, say that you are currently busy at work and tell me in a simple way what you are doing, so that your child can be more clearly defined. You can also deal with this with the father working and the child studying beside him," he continued.

In addition, psychologist from the University of Indonesia A. Kasandra Putranto also said that the trick to bonding with children is to recognize the child's character.

"Know your child's character by frequently inviting him or her to discuss. Do activities or hobbies together, such as sports, culinary arts, etc. Occasionally, give gifts or surprises to children," explained Kasandra.

The same thing was conveyed by child, adolescent and family psychologist Rosdiana Setyaningrum. He said that communication patterns that match the child's character also need to be done to build closeness.

"We as parents have to pay attention to what kind of character our children have, how to talk about it, when is the right time to talk. Then what choices of words can be used for children," said Rosdiana.

Furthermore, Rosdiana also reminded parents to adopt age-appropriate parenting styles. Thus, children will feel valued by their parents.

"Raising children must be age-appropriate. So, for example, when do we practice independence, when do we train to make choices. So, how do we make the child close, we actually give him the opportunity to carry out his developmental tasks," said Rosdiana.

"Because actually, if we teach a child to be independent when it's time for him to learn to be independent, we give it a chance. That's why the child feels that he is valued. That's why he will be closer," he continued.