How to Get More Involved with Your Kids

Sometimes parents may feel that they're losing touch with their children or that they don't know them as well as they'd like. The key to more involvement with your kids is often just reaching out and letting yourself be available to them.

Learn a new game together. If both you and your child are learning something new, it puts you on an even playing field. This can open up a whole new level of communication with your child, as he or she will feel more like and equal.

Plan and cook dinner together. Getting kids involved in the planning and preparation of a meal helps them feel like they are contributing and as and added bonus it teaches them valuable lessons they'll need later in life.

Take up a new activity or hobby with your together. Physical activity is a great way to connect with your child. If you're not the sporty type, you can take a pottery or drawing class. Local gyms and community centers both offer a variety of classes and sports to enroll in.

Read books together. This is geared more towards younger children. You can take turns reading a page of the book each. Add your own voices to the characters for a fun twist. You'll be doing something together and as a bonus, your child will be reading more.

Include them in something you enjoy and get involved in something they like. Even if it's just listening to music they like. Take the time to listen and let them tell you about it. Children want to be involved in what you're doing and just like everyone else they want to know that they are valued for their interests and ideas.