As parents, we all seek connection with our kids—it is a biological, psychological, emotional, and spiritual drive. We can fight it, ignore it, resist it, or deny it, but it is an ache deep within us that won't let go.
And when we feel connected to our kids, and our kids feel connected to us, it's magical!
So, how do we get there?
It's hard to know how to build a connection if we don't clearly understand what it is.
Most of us describe connection as an emotional experience, but I love how Brene Brown describes it:
"Connection is the energy that is created between people when they feel seen heard and valued—when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship."
Have you ever thought of connection as an ENERGY created between people? Powerful, right? And this energy is formed through a clear set of actions we can all put into practice.
Using Brené Brown's definition of connection, let's consider how we can create connection ENERGY with our kids.
In each of these areas, how would you answer the following questions?
1. Seen, heard, and valued
How can we show our kids we see them, hear them and value them?
2. Give and receive without judgment
What does it mean to give and receive without judgment?
3. Derive sustenance and strength
Sustenance is nourishment—how can we nourish the relationship with our kids, and what can we do to help them feel nourished?
Strength—how can our kids gain strength from being with us?
These are profound questions to consider, and each of us has unique and creative answers. We really would love to hear from you!
Let us know in the comments. Tell us what you discovered or even what other questions arose for you, and we can share your answers in a future email.
We look forward to connecting with you through rich conversation.
Warmly,
Coco and Vicky
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