As a parent, it’s heartbreaking to watch your child struggle through difficult times, and it’s natural to wonder if you’ll ever close the gap between the two of you.
Fostering a healthy relationship with your children is a lifelong commitment that takes intentionality and effort, no matter the season. When a crisis arises—whether it’s the aftermath of addiction, loss, trauma, or any other threat to your family’s well-being—parenting can feel overwhelming. Please know you’re not alone. We’re here to walk alongside you as you work toward healing.
Let’s look at seven ways you can strengthen your relationship with your children and build a connection that’s stronger than ever.
7 Ways to Rebuild a Parent-Child Relationship After a Crisis
Understand the Emotional Impact on Your Children
When families face a crisis, each member is affected in their own unique way. Children may experience a wide range of emotions such as anger, sadness, and confusion as they try to process what’s happening. Their age, personality, and temperament can play a big role in how they navigate these feelings.
Be on the lookout for signs of emotional distress in your child such as numbness, detachment, exhaustion, stress, or anxiety. This is an important time to create a safe space where your kid feels encouraged to share their thoughts and emotions without judgment.
Remember, many families emerge from a crisis closer and stronger. There is hope, even in the toughest times!
Ask Questions and Listen
Keep the lines of communication open and honest. This shows your children that their thoughts and feelings matter to you. Don’t shy away from asking the hard questions, like how you can improve the relationship. Then, sit back and truly listen. It’s tempting to want to jump in and “fix” the problem. Instead, empathize with your child’s emotions and feedback. This will not only help you see things from their perspective but also earn their trust and help them feel valued.
Take Responsibility
Owning up to your mistakes as a parent isn’t easy–it takes humility and love. But taking responsibility is a huge step in healing your family. By modeling what it means to admit you’re wrong and ask for forgiveness, you’re teaching your child an important lesson on honesty and growth. Plus, your child will only respect and trust you more.
Create Safe Routines
After a family crisis, it’s important to reintroduce elements of “normal life” as much as possible. Creating structure in your child’s day helps them feel safe and secure. Routines can be as simple as eating meals together, reading a story before bed, playing together, and making a habit of saying “I love you” every day. Consistency is key when it comes to regaining your child’s emotional safety.
Spend Quality Time Together
Never underestimate the power of one-on-one time with your child. Whether through parent-child “date nights,” creative projects, or shared hobbies, spending time together away from technology and distractions can foster a deep connection. It’s not about how much time you spend, but the quality of your interactions that truly brings you closer together.
Be Patient and Persistent
Healing takes time, and your child may need space before they’re ready to fully reconnect. In the meantime, the best thing you can do is to show them consistent, unconditional love, regardless of how they respond. Remember, rebuilding a relationship is not a quick fix but a journey of small steps gradually moving you forward. Patience and persistence will guide you closer together.
Find Support
We all need support, especially during difficult times, and seeking help is a bold step. Consider family therapy or individual counseling, where you and your children can process your emotions in a healthy way. A neutral third party can help mediate those difficult conversations and provide a safe space for healing.
Nonprofits like Freedom House offer incredible resources for mothers facing family crises. Their free, long-term residential program allows women to heal from the past, find encouragement from other women, and strengthen their relationships with their children. If you’re seeking this kind of support, you can learn more and apply on the Freedom House website.
Remember, rebuilding a parent-child relationship requires patience, love, and intentionality. It’s okay to ask for help and give yourself grace. While the path may not be easy, there is always hope. Every step you take to restore the bond with your child brings you closer to healing.
