7 Things kids really want their parents to do for them

Close Connection: 7 Things kids really want their parents to do for them

Angela Goh

09 Jan 2017

1/7
Tell them about your childhood
Surprisingly, the little ones are genuinely interested in what their daddy and mummy were doing back when they were the same age as them. They honestly want to know: How did you live and grow up? Was school any different? What were you like? Naughty or funny? Playful or sweet? Studious or sporty?
Telling your childhood stories may help them to find an identity for themselves, and may also help them feel more connected as a family.
Tip: Show them old photographs of yourself - flipping through old albums will be nostalgic for you and eye-opening for your kid.
2/7
Take the time to talk about things just before bedtime
To many parents, a dream bedtime session would go something like this: “Brushed your teeth? Okay, good. Now head to bed and read a book”. It is much like a dismissal than anything, akin to closing a metaphorical door in their face and making them feel like you are unapproachable past a certain time of the day. Stop and think about having a chat with your little one at the end of the day, instead of just saying goodnight abruptly. Ask them about their day, and whether they encountered any doubts or issues that they might want to talk about with you in the privacy of their bedroom.
3/7
Kiss and hug them back – show your gratitude
Enjoy those hugs and kisses from them; they are fond such personal attention when you reciprocate. After all, the years will pass quickly and the cuddles won't last.
4/7
Let them play outside
The great outdoors is infinite. To the little ones, it can be a real adventure for them if you let them explore it. There is nothing worse than conditioning your child to remain indoors and getting them addicted to the TV or hand-held devices. Children naturally love to expand their minds by encountering new things outside the confines of their familiar home.
5/7
Spend time alone with them
A large family is good, but can also be tiring. Being alone with dad or mum, doing something one-on-one like drawing, painting or cooking can be very rewarding for a child. At any age, one needs to feel loved, as well as special and unique. Make sure you spend some quality time with just your child (no distractions!). If you have more than one, be sure not to play favourites!
6/7
Give them some amount of freedom
Believe it or not, freedom is good. Young children are much more capable of picking up new skills and learning new things compared to fully-grown adults. Their brains are still developing, and they want to explore their options and expend their energy on the things they deem interesting. If your little one wants to learn an instrument or pick up a new sport, let them.
7/7
Be their age!
In a nutshell: Make a pillow fort, tell ghost stories in the dark under a blanket with a torch, make cute cupcakes and have a picnic at the park, ride around the neighbourhood on scooters… Have you ever thought of buying a scooter for yourself? Get your own and you’ll see just how fun it is to ride one! Plus, your 9-year-old will think you’re a super cool parent!

What would children really like from their parents? Some responses might surprise you.

Being pregnant for the first time is ultimately the biggest journey of all, with an unknown destination for the mother. When expecting a child, most parents will be inundated with advice from many different sources – sometimes, the people around you might have their own ideas on how you should raise the child, and perhaps contribute their unwanted remarks.

Wait a few years later, perhaps after a few more pregnancies, and any mother of several children will no doubt have all the experience behind their backs that they need to feel completely confident about raising a child. But how do you know if you are undertaking “good parenting”?

Sometimes, mothers will feel like they are not doing enough for their children. This “bad conscience” can cause a lot of stress and worry. If you are worrying about what your little one wants when it comes to their parents, don’t worry, we won’t keep you wondering. We asked the kids what they really wanted to do with their parents, and the things that really made them happy. Here are their responses.

Josephine Larosa

Photos: Getty Images

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