I’d like to introduce you to the most important principles of parenting and the eight ways to stay connected to your kids for life. These are the concepts I’ve learned and developed over 23 years of doing psychotherapy and more than 34 years of being a parent.

Let’s take a look today at “the first way” – relationship. Building a strong, trusting relationship with your kids is the very basis for everything else you’ll do as a parent, so it’s important to start early setting a solid basis for a relationship that will weather anything life throws your way.

Make your relationship with each of your kids your default position. It’s a position you try to maintain and it’s your goal for the future. No matter what crisis may occur in your family; no matter what trouble your child may get into; no matter how confused, overwhelmed or angry you become, don’t do anything that will damage your relationship with your child.

You don’t want to say anything or behave in any way that will cut a slice through the rope of relationship you’re grown with your child. If you do, you will risk having him close up, shut down and quit talking to you, and you will lose your oppurtunity to be his mentor, coach and guide.

Make your relationship with your kids your top priority. Both you and your children will reap the benefits over and over.