Where I know there is no magic formula, nor are there ever any guarantees, I really believe that having connections with our kids contributes immensely to their health and happiness.

In a day and age when everything moves so quickly, our time is filled from sun up to sun down and our schedules oftentimes keep us operating in different spheres, finding ways to stay connected to our kids is an essential element of conscious parenting.

If we are too busy to stop and go for a hike or play a game or sit down to dinner with our kids, we are sending a message that says: ‘you are on your own, I don’t have time.’ I don’t think that’s the message we want to send.

When we connect with our kids, we reinforce our family values, we demonstrate that we are present, we create a deeper relationship which leads to trust and stronger communication.

Every Christmas, I fill Caidin’s stocking with inexpensive card and dice games. Last year I put Farkle in his stocking and that has turned out to be one of our favorite games to play together. This year, it looks like Monopoly Millionaire Deal is quickly becoming a favorite.

I notice immediately the difference in Caidin when I take a bit of time, maybe 30 minutes, to sit and play a game with him. During games like these, it gives us time to talk, to laugh and to feel connected.

As our children grow up it’s important to retain several avenues of connection with our kids. Find the things they are interested and have them teach you about them. Equally let your kids know what you are excited about and share that with them.

I’ve put together a few suggestions and please share any you might have.

• Hiking
• Sports
• Reading
• Music
• Baking
• Video Games
• Wii
• Drawing
• Bird Watching
• Clay Day
• Game Night
• Movie Night
• Story Night
• Building – legos, wood projects
• Sewing
• Knitting
• Painting

As your child grows up make room for things to change and shift, but always try to have areas where you connect in their life and they in yours.

(C) 2013 Christine Agro

Christine Agro is a Mom, a Clairvoyant, a Metaphysical Expert and a Naturopath. She is an author and the founder of The Conscious Mom’s Guide(TM), a free membership site for those looking for insight, guidance, and support in parenting with awareness.