by Dr. Justin Coulson Parents consistently assure me that they want ‘the best’ for their children. They invest huge amounts of time and money in education, enrichment, and extra-curricular activities to give their children every advantage they possibly can.

These opportunities are important. They help our children grow and develop in valuable ways. Interestingly, the most valuable investment we can make for our children’s development (socially, cognitively, psychologically, and even physically) is one that we often overlook because of its simplicity. That one thing is taking the time to be emotionally available for our children

This idea seems so simple that it might be easy to nod your head in agreement, shrug your shoulders, and move on. But to do so may mean we miss the valuable insight that practicing emotional availability provides for our families. Parents who are emotionally available will find that their children are among those most likely to grow up secure, confident, and resilient

Here’s a simple summary of the amazing life outcomes kids experience when their parents are emotionally available (when compared with children whose parents are unavailable emotionally):

•    Better academic performance
•    Better social skills
•    More liked by peers, teachers, and other adults
•    Less likely to engage in delinquent behaviour, early sexual promiscuity, and drug/alcohol consumption and abuse
•    Less likely to experience ‘internalising’ issues such as depression, anxiety, etc.
•    More engaged living in adolescence (characterised by absorption in tasks and social integration)

Being emotionally available requires us to pay attention – close attention – to the emotional world of our children, and to respond compassionately. In fact,

Just as dollars are the currency of our economy, attention is the currency of our relationships.

Being emotionally available

My eight year old daughter drove this point home to my wife and I during a recent conversation. We were conducting a parenting performance appraisal (which you can read more about on my blog). My wife asked Ella,

“Do mummy and daddy make you feel important?”

Her response:

“When you are busy you don't listen to me properly. Like when Dad's on the computer or you (mum) are doing craft you're not available to me. It feels like those things are more important than me.”

Ouch. Those were her words, not mine. Our kids notice when we are not available.

A father told me he was having daily battles with his teenage daughter. I suggested he go for regular walks with her each morning or evening and be emotionally available. The first few walks were awkward. She felt like he had an agenda, and she refused to talk. But within a week they were looking forward to their time together and talking more freely and pleasantly than they had for months. He complained to me (in jest) that he was thinking of making the walks less regular just so she would stop chewing his ear off!

Invite Your Children Into Your Space

Whether your child is two or twenty two, being emotionally available will improve your relationships with your children. Here’s how to do it:

Go out, turn off your phone, and simply be together and listen.

It may be in a park, at the beach or on a mountain trail. It might simply be wandering around your neighbourhood. Just make sure there are no distractions (so that means no movies). Then ask questions, listen carefully and suspend judgement.

Your children will love being in your space and will feel special. Invite them to allow you into their space. It may take more than one date. But if you put your attention into your relationships, they’ll become enriching sources of happiness and meaning for you.

Mums and dads who make themselves available for their children have happier families and better functioning children. Kids do best with both parents being there emotionally, regardless of your family structure. Having happy kids and strong family relationships... it’s about time.

About the author:

Dr Justin Coulson is a parenting expert and the author of What Your Child Needs From You: Creating a Connected Family available from ACER press. He is available for speaking engagements via his website: www.happyfamilies.com.au. Justin and his wife Kylie are the parents of 5 children.

What Your Child Needs from You, by Dr. Justin Coulson

What Your Child Needs from You is a practical manual for creating a connected family.  This book delivers concrete strategies to help parents build meaningful relationships with their children.

Click here to learn more.

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