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How to Build Trust with Your Kids: The Ultimate Guide to Keeping Your Promises as a Parent

As parents, we often make promises to our children with the best intentions, but sometimes life gets in the way and we struggle to keep our word. It can be disheartening for both parents and children when promises are broken, but there are ways to ensure that you can follow through on your commitments to your kids.

The key to keeping your word in parenting is to be realistic and mindful when making promises. Instead of overpromising in the heat of the moment, take a step back and consider whether you can truly deliver on what you are offering. It's okay to say "no" to your child if you know that you won't be able to keep a promise. Honesty and communication are crucial in building trust with your kids.

Another helpful strategy is to set achievable goals and boundaries. For example, if you promise to take your child to the park on the weekend, make sure you carve out the time in your schedule and stick to it. By being consistent and reliable, you show your children that their needs and desires are important to you. This helps to reinforce the bond of trust between parent and child.

It's also important to remember that life can be unpredictable, and sometimes unexpected events may prevent you from fulfilling a promise. In such cases, it's crucial to communicate with your child and explain the situation to them. Apologize for any disappointment caused and make a plan to make it up to them in the future. This teaches children valuable lessons about understanding and forgiveness.

When you keep your word to your children, you instill important values such as accountability, responsibility, and integrity. You also show them the importance of honoring commitments and being reliable. These are crucial life skills that will benefit them in their future relationships and endeavors.

In conclusion, keeping your word in parenting is essential for building trust and strengthening your relationship with your children. By being honest, setting realistic expectations, and communicating openly, you can fulfill your promises and create a positive and supportive environment for your kids. Remember, it's okay to say "no" and to be honest about your limitations. Your children will appreciate your sincerity and integrity.
Author
Dr. Muhammad Zeshan Headshot Dr. Muhammad Zeshan My name is Muhammad Zeshan, MD, and I am a Harvard trained infant, child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist at Inside Out, a private practice based in Princeton, New Jersey. I am currently working as an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School-Newark, New Jersey. Through Inside Out CURE, my focus is to help individuals become more Compassionate, Understanding, and aware of their inner strength and vulnerabilities, while developing Resilience and Empathy. I offer a variety of mental health care services to all age groups (infancy through adulthood) by applying principals of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, positive psychology, family therapy, parent-child intervention therapy, pharmacology, and neuroscience.

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