Tonight I went to see a team of junior high students play basketball. Yes, I was partial to one of the players, but I'm all for team sports and the principles they teach. As I walked in I witnessed this wonderful scene between a mother and son.
I was walking up the bleachers to find a place to sit for the game and this 9 year old is laid out on the bench (not taking anybody else's spot to sit, there was plenty of room) with his head in his Mom's lap with her arms wrapped around him. I melted and thought to myself, what Mom doesn't want that? This was a precious moment of me witnessing the special bond between a mother and son. I know this young man as a natural athlete and very competitive, yet loves being around little kids.
Many nine year olds wouldn't be caught seen wrapped in their mother's arm, but what a precious child this is who is confident enough to show his mom love and receive it.
The basketball player I went to see played a great game and his team won. Hooray! Although I am of the belief that winning isn't everything and all the kids I work with know it. It's about doing your best and being part of the team. It was a great night and I was touched!!
This Mom has made a vested interest in her son's life and you can see it when you witness the love I did tonight.
How are you connecting with your child? Are you spending quality time with your son or daughter to laugh, play, or teach? Is the communication loving and respectful to build a strong foundation for the relationship?
Imagine yourself as making deposits into your child's life each day. What kind of deposits are they? They can be simple acts that will matter for years to come. Is it a hug to greet the morning? A hug before sleeping at night? A show of appreciation for helping with dinner? A good job for a paper they wrote for school?
Each day you are building a bond with your child. Is it is getting stronger or weaker? Is it positive or negative? I urge you to take those small steps of giving love and encouragement, yet setting boundaries with your child to allow them to feel safe and secure with you.
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