Sister Alex Answers:

This is a difficult and loaded question to answer. There are so many factors that go into parenting; upbringing, religion, age of the parent, personalities the list is endless. I suggest a different approach. What if we turn it around and imagine that children could list the characteristics of parents they would like. (List loving mothers; please note this is merely a discussion!)

So what do children want and need?

I recently asked my boys for their input which made of an interesting discussion! Foremost, children need parents that make them feel safe. Loving a child is relatively easy; making them feel safe takes effort and insight. Children need parents with a firm but measured approach to things. Secondly, parents with a sense of fun. Children of all ages are natural comedians so a team giggle is relatively easy. Thirdly, children need time together with their parents. They need nurturing and touch. Ironically my eldest insists that children should not be spoilt with material things. This from a child who gave me stick in Musica recently over a stand off on a game!

Finding those moments during a busy day to reconnect with your child are important. Using bath times for a massage, stroking a head while shopping, chatting or singing in the car, having a family dinner, planting together; there are many small opportunities available to us. We just need to use them.