According to many pieces of research, the presence of a loving and nurturing father can improve the life of a child manifold. And not just the child but the families and communities flourish in a society where fathers are mentally and physically available for their families.
When a father lives with a child, they can form a close and enduring relationship. Such children have been shown to perform well in schools, have self-confidence, exhibit empathy, and avoid high-risk behaviours, including drug use and criminal activity.
Even if fathers are present in their children’s lives throughout, it can be hard to keep in touch with your children once they move out. Some fathers also have to part ways with their children as a result of separation or divorce.
In any case, every father wants to keep in touch with their children. They want to know how their life is going and if they need anything. More than anything, they want their children to know that they are loved and that they want to stay involved in their life.
If you are having trouble reconnecting with your children, here are a few tips that can help you stay in touch with your loved ones.
1. Gather for Meal
One of the most cherished memories is created at the dinner table. It is an ideal place for families to gather every night, share their feelings, and discuss their days. It is one of the best ways to connect with your family.
Even the fathers who do not live with their children can find time in a week to have dinner with them. It can take time to coordinate and finalise a date, but in the end, every family finds a way to manage things. You can also take your children out for dinner.
You can look for a restaurant that attracts groups of families and friends and make an early reservation for things to go smoothly. It does not have to be something fancy. It’s your thoughtfulness and consistency that matters.
Stay engaged with them. Turn off your cell phone for a while and listen to whatever they have to tell you. Make the best of your time with your loved ones.
Taking your children out once in a while shows them that they are always in your thoughts. Hence, the relationship between a father and his children strengthens.
2. Read to Your Child
Divorce or separation does not always have to be a messy matter. Sometimes, they go smoothly and with the consent of both parties involved. However, it always has an impact on the child. It is hard for children to deal with the fact that their parents are not living together anymore.
In such times, especially younger children need a lot of love and attention. Yes, it can be hard for parents to manage meet-ups after separation. However, maintaining a healthy routine for the child is not entirely impossible.
One of the most common things that bring a parent and their young children closer is bedtime stories. It is rather adorable to see your child doze off to dreams as you are reading to them.
So, it is important that you make time from your busy routine and spend some quality moments with your child. Stay updated with their likes and dislikes, and listen to their comments.
You can also engage your child with their favourite poems and shows. As the story or poem comes to an end, ask them about their opinion on it. Make sure that you pay full attention when they are expressing. This practice can make them feel loved and eventually closer to you.
3. Arrange Family Game Nights
As mentioned, the separation of parents is not just a difficult journey for the parents. The children also get involved regardless of how smoothly things go. In such a difficult time, they need a lot of love and reassurance from their loved ones.
Yes, after separation, the parents part ways. It is an adult decision that they understand. However, the children need time to wrap their minds around it. Therefore, engaging in some mutual activities can be very beneficial for your child to heal and feel loved.
You can discuss the idea of a game night with your ex as a mutual activity. Game nights are a fun way of engaging children and giving them a safe healing space. It also teaches them that adults sometimes grow apart, and that is okay. People can live their lives apart and still have a healthy understanding.
Make sure that all the games on the game night follow the interest of your child and keep them engaged. If you play something that they are unable to grasp, they will not feel interested in the activity.
In addition, try to keep the adult talk away from the activities. Refer to using sarcasm or a mean tone. A good game night will bring you and your child closer.
