The very first thing you can do at home, is spend one-on-one time with your child. Allow him to choose an activity and let him direct your time together. If it’s LEGO, then so be it. If it’s eating his favorite meal together, then that is a great place to start too. Allow him the space to open up to you. To trust you, and tell you what is on his mind and heart. He will not do this if your phone or work or the to-do list in life gets in the way. Start with 10 minutes per day. That’s all you need: 10 minutes per day, everyday. The more routine this time slot is, the easier it will become for both of you. Try not to cancel this time no matter what. And do not use this time as a bargaining chip for good behavior, or take it away for bad behavior. This is special one on one time that happens no matter what.
Connection is part of the answer, always.
