The Importance of Paying Attention to Each Child

Children have their own interests and needs. By spending time together, you become more aware of your child’s passions and talents. Your child, in turn, feels understood.

When you know your child’s interests and potential strengths, you can plan activities that support them. For example, maybe you discover your older child likes vintage movies, or your younger child loves big trucks. By going to movie revivals or construction sites together, you share an experience that’s personal and special.

Your child can open up when you spend relaxed time together, away from the demands of your house and other siblings. It’s a chance to talk about what it’s like to have a sibling with learning and attention issues. Or to share nervousness about trying out for the school play. When you know what your child is thinking, you can figure out how to respond—with a word of encouragement or by providing an opportunity to vent.