Developing Trust with Your Child

How many times have we heard friends or acquaintances say, “I’ve got trust issues” or “Trust is a big one for me?” Trust is the basic building block of our relationships with other human beings. If children are able to trust their parents, they have a solid foundation for future relationships. For parents, building trust between you and your child isn’t difficult, but it does take commitment, consistency and respect. Here are some suggestions to focus on to ensure you develop a trusting bond with your child:

1. Behave in a trustworthy manner - By modeling trustworthy behavior for your child (and for everyone else), your child will automatically learn that this is the acceptable way for people to interact with each other. Following through on promises to friends and families, being honest and respectful to teachers, other parents, coworkers, etc. - your interactions with all of these people will color your child’s perception of how trustworthy you are.

2. Tell the truth to your child - Try to be as truthful and honest as you can with your child from the very beginning. Some parents wrestle with how fairy tales and Santa Claus fit into this challenge, but there is a difference between fantasy, magical thinking (which are very age-appropriate) and dealing with your child on an honest level. By telling your child truthfully what to expect when going to the doctor, or answering her questions with honest, age-appropriate answers, your child will learn that you can be trusted to be straightforward and truthful.