Parents and adult children have one of the trickiest relationships. The distance can create awkwardness and frustration for parents who are thousands of miles away.
The world is changing — You are no longer the center of your kid’s universe; you share it with a partner or friends. You also have less control over what they do, where they go, and who they hang out with. As kids grow up, their needs change. They may still need your guidance, but they need it in different ways than when they were younger. Find the right balance, and you’ll help them become independent adults while still showing them you care with the following fun activities.
One-on-One Date Night
A date night is a fun way to bond with your adult kid and show them you care. This is a great way to reconnect because it’s a bit more personal than regular visits. It’s a great way to get to know your adult child and have them get to know you, too. Plus, it doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. If you live close enough to visit regularly, you can even switch off and watch each other’s house. On your date night, you can do anything you like, as long as it’s fun and relaxing. You can go to a movie, ice cream for dessert, or even a walk in the park. You can play board games or do some arts and crafts. This is your chance to connect and have some fun.
Go To An Event Together
If your child has an interest, try going with them to an event related to that interest. Not only will this help you understand their perspective better, but it will also help you bond and have a lot of fun. If your child is a gamer, you could go to a gaming event, or if they’re into sports, you could go to a game. Don’t worry; your child will show you how to do it and how to “fit in,” no matter what it is.
There are certain events that are special to some adults and kids. These events, like a group therapy session, are typically fun and exciting. They are the kind of thing that adults and kids both enjoy. If you and your adult child are going through a rough patch, attending one of these events together can be a great way to bond. It will bring back memories of when they were younger.
Do Something New They Love To Do
One of the biggest problems that parents face when raising an adult child is that they haven’t grown up yet, and don’t see you as a parent. But all kids need to be parents to their parents once they leave the nest, and that means that they still need your guidance and time. You have to break out of the parent role and be a friend to your adult child. One of the best ways to do this is to try new things together.
Spending time with your adult child is important, but it can be difficult to figure out what to do. It’s easy to fall into a rut of doing the same thing over and over, but that can get boring for you and for your child. The best way to bond with your adult child is to do something you both love to do. If you want to do something special, pick something new. If your adult child likes to play video games, what about an escape room or laser tag in Melbourne for kids & adults? If they love to travel, how about an outdoor adventure such as kayaking or horseback riding? If they like music, what about a concert? You get the idea.
Do something risky
When you think of bonding with your adult child, you may think of spending a day at the beach, going on a bike ride, or taking a stroll through the park. But bonding is about so much more than that. It’s about strengthening your relationship and showing your adult kids that you care. And that’s why you should do something risky.
Risk-taking is the essence of life. It’s the feeling of excitement that comes with the possibility of failing at something. Such activities are rewarding and refreshing for a relationship like yours and a perfect way to bond.
Maintain your connection with them
Life is a continuous process of giving and taking. You have to give something to your children to be able to take from them. This is what you should do to maintain your connection with your adult kids:
- Be a listening ear for them. You are probably their first person to listen to their problems, frustrations, and happiness. They have to be able to confide in you, and you should not be judgmental about it.
- Understand them. They are different from you, and you should accept that. Give them the freedom to be who they are without asking them to change.
- Spend time with them. This is the simplest way to keep your connection with them. It doesn’t have to be a substantial amount of time, but it should be enough to show that you care.
- Help them when they need your help. They are adults now, but they are still your children. They need to know that you can provide help whenever they need it.
- Show them that you care. Show them that they mean a lot to you. You can do this by spending time with them, listening to them, and helping them.
- Never miss the chance to say “I love you” and mean it!