Connecting with Kids Shouldn't Be a Performance

A parent writes that her mother is constantly asking her bright 17-month-old to perform and grows frustrated when he doesn’t oblige. The truth is, we often think connecting with kids means entertaining them, getting them to laugh or, as in this grandparent's case, encouraging them to show us what they can do. Yet, real connection is much easier and more organic than that. It is about paying attention, listening, and genuinely taking in who our children are. Janet explores why asking children to perform can get in the way of deeper connection—and how doing less and trusting more  can foster more authentic relationships. Protect your loved ones without spying on them. Go to ⁠https://heypolo.com/unruffled⁠ or use code UNRUFFLED and get 70% off your first year! Janet's "No Bad Kids Master Course" is available at ⁠⁠⁠JanetLansbury.com⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠NoBadKidsCourse.com⁠⁠⁠. You can pre-order a signed copy of Janet's upcoming book BABY PERSON from Book Soup at: ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4xhJ2zZ⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices