Dawlat Emad
Parenting is a beautiful, messy, and deeply fulfilling journey. As a mother, I’ve faced countless challenges raising my children while striving to build meaningful relationships with them. There were moments when I felt I wasn’t doing enough or questioned if I was truly connecting with them. Over the years, I’ve learned that strengthening the bond with your children isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being present and intentional. Here’s what I’ve discovered through my personal experience and coaching others.
1. Understand Their World
I remember the first time I realized I didn’t fully understand my son’s world. He was growing up surrounded by influences I didn’t experience as a child: social media, fast-paced technology, and peer pressure like never before. I made it my mission to step into his shoes, not to control but to understand.
What I learned: When I showed genuine curiosity about his interests—whether it was his favorite video game or the music he loved—he opened up. It wasn’t about liking what he liked; it was about showing I cared enough to know.
2. Listen Without Fixing
As a parent, it’s tempting to jump in with advice or solutions every time your child shares a problem. I used to do that, thinking it showed I cared. But I noticed that my children sometimes just needed me to listen. Not to fix, not to judge—just listen.
My approach: I started asking questions like, “How did that make you feel?” or “What do you think you want to do next?” This shift made my kids feel heard, and I noticed they began coming to me more often.
3. Create Small Rituals
I’ve found that the small, consistent moments we create together leave the biggest impact. For my family, it’s the late-night talks over tea or weekend walks to the park. These little traditions became our sacred time—no phones, no distractions, just us.
A tip from my life: You don’t need grand gestures to build connection. It’s the little moments that matter most, like a shared laugh or a quiet conversation before bedtime.
4. Teach Emotional Awareness
One of the most transformative changes in my parenting was teaching my kids—and myself—how to name and validate emotions. I’ve learned that when children understand their feelings, they’re better equipped to navigate challenges.
What worked for me: When my daughter was upset, instead of saying, “Stop crying,” I started saying, “It’s okay to feel sad. I feel that way too sometimes.” It shifted the dynamic from parent-child to human-to-human, and she trusted me more because of it.
5. Let Them Lead
I used to think being a good parent meant always guiding and directing my kids. But I’ve come to realize that sometimes, stepping back and letting them lead strengthens our bond even more. When I trusted them to make their own decisions—even small ones like picking out their clothes or deciding what to do on a Saturday afternoon—it built their confidence.
My lesson: Supporting their independence doesn’t mean letting go. It means being there as their safety net while they explore who they are.
What I’ve Learned
Parenting isn’t about getting everything right—it’s about trying, failing, and learning together. The bond with your child is built in the everyday moments, in the way you listen, understand, and show up for them. These five steps transformed my relationship with my children, and I believe they can do the same for you.
Let’s Take the Journey Together
If you’re ready to deepen your connection with your child and create a stronger, more fulfilling relationship, I’m here to help. Parenting doesn’t have to feel overwhelming—you just need the right tools and support. Let’s work together to make it happen.
.jpg)
