httpv://youtu.be/bKRanaUHYIk

If you want your relationships to thrive, make sure you are maintaining them.  Maintenance is an essential part of Authoritative Parenting.  Here are five tips to maintain your relationship with your kids so it purrs as sweetly as the Corvette I’m driving in the video.

1. Schedule Special One-on-One Time
   This is very important, particularly when you have more than one child.  This is special time where they have you all to themselves, and that is planned so that they can look forward to it.  Make sure you are mentally, emotionally, and spiritually present to connect.
2. Speak Their Love Language
   Gary Chapman wrote a book called The Five Love Languages.  They are words of affirmation, acts of service, quality time, gifts, and touch.  Each of us has a primary and secondary Love Language, and it’s usually different from others who might be closest to us.  Learn your child’s Love Language and master it.  You’ll be able to show them you love them in ways they understand, acknowledge, and receive.
3. Play
   Be fun and silly.  Allow your inner child to play.  When you can relax, let loose, and be child-like, you will connect with your child in new ways than when you are in your stodgy buttoned-up parenting mode.  Play is part of Authoritative Parenting because of the bond you create.
4. Add Variety
   Introduce new elements to your interaction with your children or significant other to meet their need for variety.  We all can fall into ruts.  We do need routine, and we also need variety.  Keep things fresh and exciting in your relationship by being curious and venturing into new environments.  You will create lasting memories to cherish.
5. Be Yourself
   Bring your true, authentic self to your relationships.  Let your children know and experience you just as you are.  Anything else just takes too much energy, and what parent has a surplus of energy to waste on pretense?  As you express yourself, your talents, abilities, and tastes, your children get to know you in a deeper way.  It also gives them permission to be themselves fully.

We need Authoritative Parenting methods to raise kids, manage all the other aspects of our busy lives, and get to enjoy our own life and interests (like classic cars).  Focusing on the long-term, maintaining our relationships, and paying attention to the things that are important to us are not only practical, they are essential for success.

Speaking of long-term, I want to add that I’m looking forward to the day that my son and daughter get to drive the Corvette.  My father custom-ordered it, maintained and loved it, and now we get to enjoy the fruits of his labor.  Maintenance has paid off.

Maintenance also pays off big time with your loved ones.  When you maintain your relationships, you not only give love, you also get loved in return.  That makes me purr any day.

Please comment if this has stirred up a memory or desire to improve a relationship.  Feel free to share this post with car lovers or kid lovers to remind them how important maintenance is.  Thanks!