How to build connection with your child or teen

Extract from my new book - Empower your kids. A coaching guide for parents.

1.    Rapport

This is about relationship, how we get on with our children, our partner, how we communicate. Here are some top tips on creating good rapport with your children.

-       Take a genuine interest in them and what is important in their world. For example, when they get home from school, instead of asking them questions about the things you are concerned about, ask them what they’d like to tell you. Find out something about their favourite football team or band, that they might be interested in. Ask their opinion about things that affect them; food, holidays, extended family, family activities.

-       Notice the words they use and use them when speaking to that child, remembering each of your children will favour particular words. They will have their own way of speaking and time they prefer to speak. One might like a chat over breakfast, another wants to talk in the car, another, at bed-time.

-       Become aware of how much information each child needs or can cope with. Some…