Understand Your Child In Only 3 Minutes With Help From This Simple, Psychologist-Endorsed Rule

Jun 05, 2018 by apost team

Albert Einstein said that, “Time is an illusion.” At no time has this been truer than now. We’re surrounded by high-speed technology and time-saving devices, yet it’s harder than ever to carve out family time. What effect does this have on our children? 

There are lots of resources out there telling us how to connect with our kids even when we are low on time. What if I told you that it only takes three minutes? What if I told you that in just three minutes, you can strengthen your relationship with your child, forming a bond that lasts well into his or her teens? 

Follow this three-minute rule for a better understanding of your child. 

Nataliya Sirotich, a psychologist, instructs parents that the three-minute rule requires a little investment that you’ll see go a long way. It’s simple; when you reunite with your child, spend three minutes reconnecting with him. This must be done with sincerity, as if it has been a long separation. You can enjoy this time longer than just three minutes! Don’t set a timer! We all know how long our days can be, and to a child, even an hour can seem like an eternity. Time with a parent can erase the cares of the day. 

apost.com

Be sure that you interact with your child on his physical level. You can lift a small child up or lower yourself so you can see eye-to-eye. It’s also important that you hug your child until he lets go. Ask your child about his day and follow your child’s lead. Engage in conversation by asking questions that demonstrate that you are listening and interested. Above all, give your child your undivided attention. 

Children don’t possess the same discipline in patience as adults. Couple that with the fact that it’s difficult to remember everything that happened since you last saw each other. The child needs the time to share the events of the day with you. You are the most important person to your child, the one he trusts, and the one that will help him make sense of things. 

What happens when you fail to heed the three-minute rule? It depends on the child. Some children are so desperate to be heard that they’ll chatter on and on throughout the evening, making sure that you’re aware of their presence. Other children shut down, realizing that the details of their life aren’t important to you. They will hold things inside until they find someone they can be vulnerable with. Trust me when I say that you want that person to be you! 

While there are no guarantees for happiness, reconnecting with your child will be life-changing for your child. You’ll find that slowing down in this way will also be life-changing for you as you gain valuable insight into your son or daughter. 

What do you think of this rule? Do you have other ways to connect with your children, even if you're busy? Let us and your friends know!