Do You Recognize these 3 Signs of a Relationship Gap with Your Children?
What do you do when you have to be in the same room as your children for an extended period of time? This is the reality for some people — quarantined together and can’t go out. It could happen to you. It doesn’t have to be because of a quarantine. You could end up having to be in the same space with your children for any number of reasons. What you do will show whether or not you have the 3 signs of a relationship gap.
Sign #1 of the 3 Signs of a Relationship Gap — Find a Different Room
You do everything you can to avoid being in the same room. Now, of course if you can’t go out, at some point you will want to move and do something that’s different. However, with this sign you don’t wait for “at some point.” You simply do all that you can to ensure that you are not in the same room with your child/children. However, if you cannot avoid it you know how to take care of that. You have a technique called, “don’t look.”
Sign# 2 — Don’t Look
When you find yourself in the same room with you child/children, you glance at them furtively at each other. You’re on your device even if you’re not doing anything that’s important. The truth is, you’re avoiding eye contact for one or all of three reasons:
- You don’t know how to have a conversation with them.
- You’re afraid they’ll ask you something to which you don’t know the answer.
- You’re afraid they’ll ask you to do something with them, especially if they are smaller.
In other words, it’s about you and what makes you comfortable. Thus, when one and two fail, you go to the third sign — monopolize the conversation.
Sign #3 — Monopoly
The children caught you. They came into your space or they got you to do something you’d been trying to avoid or . . . Whatever the reason, you are now with them and can no longer avoid contact. You go into a monologue. You talk about everything under the sun except what would be of interest to them. Before you know it, their eyes glaze over and they check out. It works for you, but unfortunately, it doesn’t work for them.
These are three signs that you have a relationship gap with your children. You don’t know them. You’re not comfortable around them. As a result, you are challenged to communicate with and engage them.
So now that you know the signs, what are you going to do to close the relationship gap?
Claire Annelise Smith, Phd, is a spiritual mentor and coach who empowers successful leaders to navigate life transitions with confidence, hope, and love. She helps clients maintain a strong connection with God, achieve personal and professional growth, and develop greater inner peace and resilience. Dr. Claire’s diverse background and transformative coaching methodology set her apart as an expert guide for those seeking clarity, purpose, and improved relationships.
Dr. Claire is also the founder of Strategic Lifestyle Connection, the platform through which she delivers her coaching, publications, and programs to empower successful leaders in transition.
Claire Annelise Smith, Phd, is a spiritual mentor and coach who empowers successful leaders to navigate life transitions with confidence, hope, and love. She helps clients maintain a strong connection with God, achieve personal and professional growth, and develop greater inner peace and resilience. Dr. Claire’s diverse background and transformative coaching methodology set her apart as an expert guide for those seeking clarity, purpose, and improved relationships.
Dr. Claire is also the founder of Strategic Lifestyle Connection, the platform through which she delivers her coaching, publications, and programs to empower successful leaders in transition.