Transform your parenting: 7 game-changing tips to connect with your child

The first step for parents, towards building bonds with their kids, is to understand the importance of adapting communication techniques to each child’s unique personality and developmental needs, especially for children with special needs. Strategies like reflective listening, using playfulness in conversations, encouraging storytelling and non-directive communication foster a safe, open and supportive environment.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Monica S Kumar, Social and Development Expert and Founder of BloomBuds ASD Life Trust, suggested the following tips for helping parents effectively connect with their children, promote emotional intelligence and ensure that their children feel heard and understood in a nurturing parent-child relationship –
While age is a major factor in communication, it’s also important to consider each child’s unique personality. Children have different communication preferences, and understanding this allows parents to develop a deeper connection.
Reflective listening is a vital communication tool that goes beyond just paraphrasing what a child says—it also involves recognizing the emotions behind their words and responding accordingly.

Playfulness can be an effective way to break down barriers in communication with children, especially when dealing with sensitive topics.
Children’s cognitive and emotional development can benefit greatly from constructing narratives around their experiences. Encouraging children to describe events as stories helps them process emotions and articulate their thoughts more effectively.
Non-directive communication is a style in which the child leads the conversation while the parent provides support without taking control.

Again, toys and images of different kinds can motivate the children to narrate incidents that otherwise may not be on top of their minds. We can recall when a child with Autism once told us that there is music in the school bus, the seats are blue and the ‘didi’ (support staff) sits with him in the bus.
Children often shy away from sharing difficult or “taboo” topics because they fear their parents’ reactions. By normalizing these conversations, parents create a safe space where children feel free to discuss anything without fear of judgment or punishment.
Unlike other children, those with special needs, particularly those on the autism spectrum, also find it difficult to discuss uncomfortable or socially complex topics. By promoting open dialogue and ensuring they feel safe to express their thoughts, parents can help children with special needs navigate challenging conversations in a supportive environment.
While casually chatting and playing, we often ask young boys and girls if anyone pushed them, touched them inappropriately, didn’t play with them, etc. The process of normalizing difficult conversations eliminates the fear and taboo.
Organizations dedicated to special needs advocacy serve as a bridge for families, particularly those with children who face unique challenges. By offering practical tools, counseling, and support groups, these organisations help parents navigate the unique challenges of communication. These initiatives ensure that children with special needs can develop healthy, open relationships with their parents.