Effective communication tips for creating a fulfilling father-child relationship

Communication is key - Express yourself. Usually, fathers are socially conditioned to have tremendous self-control over their emotions. As a father, it is important that you express your affection as it will foster a sense of security in children, knowing that they are loved. It will further make them feel comfortable in sharing their innermost thoughts and feelings with you and foster a safe space for communication.
Connect by being involved- Spending time with your family is a great way to make them feel treasured.While it is understandable that your interests might differ from those of your daughter or son, strive to find common interests, be it watching movies, playing basketball or a picnic outside to connect and make memories. Watching your child bubbling with excitement is rewarding and makes it worth sacrificing your other plans for some quality family time.
Be credible- If you promise your child a game of cricket this weekend, make sure that you stick to it. Taking time out of your busy schedule might seem challenging at first, but you can practise by making small commitments. Children can see through false promises and will lose trust and respect if it happens frequently. Therefore, establish your credibility by making only those promises which you can keep. This will add value to your words.
Practice compassion- Oftentimes, fathers adhere to an image of being the disciplinarian, the parent whose duty is to admonish their children when they get in trouble. This leads to a communication gap and hampers the space for a healthy dialogue. Thus, it is important to listen to your child’ point of view instead of imposing your decisions on them. This will help you to reach an agreeable conclusion and help to sail smoothly through difficult issues together.
Establish consistency- A father’s job is never over. It is significant that you ensure consistency in following these healthy communication practices to nurture a strong bond with your children based upon the rock-solid foundation of understanding and love.
Inputs by Samira Gupta, Image Consultant