CHALLENGE #2 INCREASING CLOSENESS, REDUCING TENSION
GOAL: To increase the relational side of your family and in so doing reduce some of the tension that might be hindering your ability to get things done.
Use these ideas:
STRATEGY #1: EMOTIONALLY CONNECT AND CELEBRATE IT:
We all know that relationship is important. But when tension increases in family life, the relational closeness often decreases. In this video you’ll learn how to Take The Family Challenge with a two step activity every day. You’ll be pleased with the result and so will your child.
STRATEGY #2: UNDERSTAND THE WEB OF RELATIONSHIPS:
We’re all connected. That’s why when one person gets emotionally upset others feel it. Knowing how to strengthen the web of relationships in your home takes a bit of wisdom. Here you’ll learn more about how to do just that.
STRATEGY #3: THE VALUE OF COMFORT:
One of the greatest gifts a parent can give to a child is the gift of comfort. Sometimes it’s hard to know how best to comfort a child because each child is different. In this video you’ll learn not only the “why” but also the “how” of comforting your child.
STRATEGY #4: GETTING THINGS DONE, CORRECTING, AND SETTING LIMITS:
The three areas where conflict generally occurs in family life are when you give instructions or try to get things done, when you correct a child and when you have to say no or set some kind of limit. Where do we start to reduce tension. Explore that with me here in this video.
STRATEGY #5: EXTENDING RELATIONSHIP AS A FAMILY GIFT:
If you see success in increasing closeness and reducing tension then you’ll want to build on that momentum. One of the greatest ways to do that is to share your connection strategies with others. When children partner with parents to build closeness, they experience more closeness themselves.
Consider these additional ideas to increase closeness and reduce tension in your home.
INTERACT IN THE FACEBOOK GROUP: Share ideas and questions and receive responses from other parents plus some trained parent coaches, gain a wealth of new ideas for your family.
LISTEN TO THE PODCASTS: The links for two podcast episodes are here for you. Dr. Scott Turansky and Elena Zwetsloot discuss increasing closeness and reducing tension in your home.
Podcast 1 – When Children Need Closeness
Podcast 2 – When Families Experience Tension
ENJOY PARENTING TIPS: Four parenting tips have been sent out to continue on the topic of increasing closeness and reducing tension. Each one includes new ideas and perspectives to keep you growing throughout the month. If you missed them, here they are:
Tip #1 – How & Why to Emotionally Connect with Your Kids
Tip #2 – Balance Firmness with Relationship
Tip #3 – What to Do When Your Child Gets Hurt
Tip #4 – The Relational Side of Parenting
SHARE THE CHALLENGE WITH OTHERS: Practice developing closeness and pass on these ideas and even this challenge to other families you know, realizing that all families want to improve in this area and are looking for practical ideas.
CONSIDER LEARNING MORE: Order the CONNECT WITH THE HEART SPECIAL and turn this Challenge into a lifestyle in your home.
Why so many ideas and approaches? As we work with our children and grandchildren we recognize that each one is unique and different. Furthermore, each family is unique and different. We never know just what will touch a person’s heart but most often a variety of tools and strategies are needed to bring about heart change and significant growth in our kids.
The National Center for Biblical Parenting recognizes the complexities parents and grandparents face and we’re eager to bring real, relevant, biblical, practical solutions to your home.
